“Was there any basis for an optimistic view of Rome in Livy and Ovid?”
Within the two stories Livy and Ovid, there are great writings that offer historical context to the world in which they were written. Within Livy, Mythology is used to explain the creation of Rome, and much of Romes history. While Ovid is similar that is it uses myths, that explains the history of the world, and its creation, by using folklore and stories. By examining both of these writings, it is discovered that there was a pessimistic view of the world, and the people in it. They continue to talk about the history and growth of civilization, and then there is a degradation. This could mean, things got worse politically, economically,and morally, ETC. As the attitudes of the writers changed, the writings got darker and darker on their views. Although these two stories are different in someways, some would argue and are more similar than not.
Within Livy, The account begins with the birth and history of Rome. It is discussed that the Gods of fate. They then go onto to talk about the two Brothers, Romulus and Remus. There are a power hungry duo willing to do anything for fortune. Romulus ends up killing Remus, and forming the great city of Rome. It is said that the Gods were helping Romulus in the creation of the city. Romulus continues to work on the city, creating the government. He establishes there will be 12 governors and 100 senators. He then goes on to endorse kidnapping of women from neighboring cities for the men of his city to marry. The success of Rome was sky rocketing. They had a fierce powerful army that could conquer any land they wanted to. However, like many stories we have read this year, the story does not end well. After many pillages and raids of other countries, when the men came home the would celebrate, with two much pride. On one celebration, and woman was raped, her name was Lucretia. The men of the city overthrew the system of kingship. The author talks about how Rome had gone into a steady decline and that the city was becoming more and more corrupt. The ruler Julius Ceaser was an example of corruption and money blindness.
IN Ovid’s tale, it is similar in that it talks about Rome as well. In this novel, Ovid discusses the creation of the world, known as metamorphoses. Like wise to Hesiod, he discusses the fact that Chaos, was the center and creator of the world. He discusses how Rome Like Hesiod, there is described the Races of man. He discusses the sinless age of man called the Golden Age. This age was known for being the best. They were kind and nonviolent and they were the God’s favorites. He discusses as time goes on, the Ages of man get worse and worse. Like the Bible and the story of Noah and the flood, they believe that Zeus was angered by this behavior and decided to send a flood towards earth. He discusses that a man and his wife were spared from the great tragedy. Those two were in charge of restarting the human race.
Both of these of great works of art are depictions of tragedy and wrong doing. Essentially both of them describe how evil and corrupt the world continues to get with each and every race. They are not saying every single person will be wrong and evil, they are just saying the overall population is not great. This answers the question that there is no optimism in these two accounts. Almost everything discussed is based on the wrong doings of man. This shows that consequences are for everybody, and everybody has them. Rome was built on blood, and was ruled through corruption and fear in both stories.
JBSchool 