Ovid, Amores 1.12 – Anger at Rejection

What is Ovid's reaction to the rejection of his love letter in Amores 1.12?

Ovid reacts bitterly when his love letter is rejected by the girl.

What emotion dominates the poem Amores 1.12?

Rejection is the dominating emotion, as Ovid expresses his feelings through the quote, 'Tabella, res est animosa tua.' (Tablet, your matter is spirited.) He blames the messenger tablet for the rejection, projecting his frustration.

How does Ovid utilize personification in Amores 1.12?

Ovid shifts blame onto the wax tablet, as seen in the quote, 'Nil mihi rescribas tu, nisi verba, ‘veni.’' (Write nothing back to me but the word, 'come.') He ironically scolds the tablet, humorously mixing pathos with his emotional struggle.

What does Amores 1.12 convey about Ovid's character?

The poem captures the sting of rejection and Ovid’s tendency to turn emotional failure into performance art.