William Shakespeare is one of the most influential writers in the English language. His works have been studied and admired for centuries, and his influence can be seen in many modern works. One of the major influences on Shakespeare was the Roman poet Ovid. Ovid’s polymorphous imagination made a strong impression on Shakespeare, and his works often contain references to Ovid’s stories. In this article, we will explore how Shakespeare was influenced by Ovid and how Ovid’s works appear in Shakespeare’s plays.

Was Shakespeare Influenced by Ovid?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Ovid’s works had a profound influence on Shakespeare’s writing. Ovid’s stories were often reworked and adapted by Shakespeare, and his works often contain references to Ovid’s stories. For example, the story of Philomel and Tereus (Book 6) reappeared in his early tragedy Titus Andronicus (c. 1594). In this play, the character of Lavinia is raped and mutilated by Tereus, just as Philomel was in Ovid’s story.

Shakespeare also drew heavily on Ovid’s Metamorphoses, a collection of stories about transformation. Many of Shakespeare’s plays contain references to Ovid’s stories, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is based on the story of Pyramus and Thisbe. In The Tempest, Shakespeare also draws on Ovid’s story of the goddess Juno’s revenge on the sea-god Neptune.

In conclusion, it is clear that Shakespeare was heavily influenced by Ovid. Ovid’s stories provided Shakespeare with a wealth of material to draw upon, and his works often contain references to Ovid’s stories. Shakespeare was able to take Ovid’s stories and adapt them to his own purposes, creating works that are still admired and studied today.

Questions & Answers

Q: Was Shakespeare influenced by Ovid?

A: Yes, Shakespeare was heavily influenced by Ovid. Ovid’s stories provided Shakespeare with a wealth of material to draw upon, and his works often contain references to Ovid’s stories.