Pyramus and Thisbe walls

In Ovid's poem Pyramus and Thisbe, there is a wall that separates two lovers. Literally, it is the one barrier that separates them. Metaphorically, it is used as a symbol displaying Ovid's use of symbolism. It symbolizes the one obstacle in the way of their marriage, their parents. The wall is also the thing that made them leave their houses and meet outside at the mulberry tree. ALthough it might be the reason for their separation, it is also the reason for their death. They could not take that they could not see each other so they went to meet outside and it eventually ended up leading to their death.

Pyramus and Thisbe

First, in line 68, Ovid uses a rhetorical question. "Quid non sentit amor?" This translates to, "what does love not perceive?" Although Ovid is asking a question, he is not really expecting an answer and he only uses it to get the reader thinking. Second, in lines 68 and 69, Ovid uses alliteration. "Primi vidistis amantes, et vocis fecistis." He is constantly using the sound of an "s" for affect. Last, in line 73, he uses personification while talking about the wall. "Invide,' dicebant, 'paries, quid amantibus obstas?" He is saying that the wall is jealous but that is not possible because it is a human feature.

Poem 75

This poem has the same theme that poem 72 which is that because of Lesbia cheating on him and of her unfaithfulness, he hates her. At the same time, he still cannot stop loving her no matter how hard he tries. He shows us once again that Lesbia has cheated on him and he once again comes back to her and still loves her. Catullus, the poet, tries to make us feel sorry for him because no matter what he does, he still loves Lesbia and she still cheats on him.

Poem 8

Catullus is lonely and sad
cheated on was this poor lad
bye he says to her
his past was all a blur
and now he is very glad.