Phrase--Sarah Knoth

...Chaos was its name,

a shapeless, unwrought mass of inert bulk

and nothing more, with the discordant seeds

of disconnected elements all heaped

together in anarchic disarray.

(pg 15)

Metamorphoses is a Roman poem of instructions on how to live one's life. I found this particular passage interesting because I like to compare creation myths, and this particular passage reminds me of Genesis, among others. The main difference I found between Genesis and Ovid's vision of the world was the noun he used in which to describe the world in which we live. He uses the word "chaos." I think this is a genius way to describe the world because it seems as though there is no difference in the way in which Ovid describes the world in the passage, eons and eons ago, and the world today. Many, I'm sure, would agree that today's world still has many "discordant" elements that people still refuse to agree upon. From the Crusades to the war in Iraq, we still live in a "disconnected" world. It is amazing to think that someone who so eloquently describes the creation of the world in its simple, chaotic mass of stuff that, in this same description, we can still find a definition of life today. If you are a reader who is pondering taking Metamorphoses off the shelf and into your hands for reading, then this is what I have to say to you: You are in good hands. Ovid uses unique language and relatable diction that allows his readers the chance to learn how to live a good, pure life. Ovid takes Metamorphoses as a chance to share with the reader mythological instructions on how to have a prosperous life, and he goes on to show you that life will remain chaotic if you choose to live it without making good, conscious choices.