Aurora non grata: A Critical Appreciation of Ovid, Amores 1.13

Abstract

Little scholarly work has been done on Amores 1.13 despite the fact that it is thematically unique in the extant corpus of Latin elegy and an altogether brilliant example of Ovidian ingenuity. The theme of the poem, Aurora’s premature arrival and disruption of a lovers’ union, is derived chiefly from Hellenistic love epigram. Scholars have often noted that two epigrams in particular, both composed by Meleager of Gadara, may have served as Ovid’s literary models. In fact, there are three Meleagrian epigrams which appear to have influenced the composition of Amores 1.13: A.P. 5.172, 5.173, and 12.137. In the following chapters, I examine the Meleagrian dawn epigrams without reference to Amores 1.13. Once the constituent elements of the Meleagrian dawn epigram have been properly established, I then consider Meleager’s influence on Amores 1.13 and the way in which Ovid adapts the Meleagrian model to suit his specific poetic needs. Finally, I provide a detailed literary-critical commentary on all elements of note.