Oracles and Omens, Ovid’s Literary Style and Influences

Q: What was the Delphic Oracle?

A: A famous oracle in Greece where the Pythia, a prophetess, was “possessed” by Apollo to deliver prophecies.

Q: Why were the oracles hard to interpret?

A: Their answers were often cryptic and could be interpreted in multiple ways.

Q: Give an example of misinterpreted prophecy.

A: King Croesus of Lydia asked if he would succeed in war against Persia. The oracle said, “If you begin the war, you will destroy a great empire.” Croesus attacked Persia and destroyed his own empire.

Q: Which poets influenced Ovid?

A: Horace, Virgil, and the Greek poet Callimachus.

Q: How was Ovid different from his contemporaries?

A: Committed to innovation, explored different genres, embraced luxurious life, courted controversy, and was a modern author for the Roman elite.

Q: How did Ovid’s controversial lifestyle affect him?

A: Brought celebrity but also led to banishment by Augustus in 8 AD.

Q: What were the possible reasons for his exile?

A: Offensive erotic poetry, disrespect towards Augustus, involvement in a scandal.

Q: What was Augustus’ motivation for controlling poets?

A: Restore high moral standards (mos maiorum), essential for Roman social and political success; required poets to include state ideology in their work.

Q: How did Augustus view poets who ignored his moral reforms?

A: They risked trouble; the state was bringing a new golden age and sought ideological compliance.