Can anyone give me the summary of Ovid’s “Art of love” poems?

Question

I have been trying to read the all three books, but there are full of vocabularies that I do not know, and I have no idea what the heck he is talking about.

I am doing this for my homework, which it asks “Give your overall perception and analysis of the art of love in pagan Roman culture as presented in Ovid’s poem.” And “Compare and contrast what Ovid says about the subject of love catching and making with the “rules” of the game yourself-as a representative of your culture—go by. For example, what of Ovid’s advice do you agree with, or disagree with? Are you bemused or disgusted by anything the poet says or recommends in relation to your own “ways of the hunt?”

I am told to write an essay on this.

Please help!

Answer 1

To start with last part of your question, I am bemused by the the theme of beauty tied to racing!

"Ars Amatoria" (The Art of Love) c. 1 B.C.: Brilliant treatise on the art of seduction and intrigue. The message was subversive of the official program of moral reforms then being fostered by August. It also included a number of references in their contexts both flippant and tactless to symbols of August's personal prestige.

Elegy II


This is a wonderfully lively portrait of a day at the races by a man who would rather look at women than horses. This translation is particularly colloquial, with many modern touches not strictly faithful to the original; but the spirit is captured vividly.

Pelops won the hand of the Princess Hippodameia by cheating in a chariot race, sabotaging his rival's vehicle. He thinks his girlfriend may have prettier legs than even the beautiful Atalanta who raced against and won many suitors for her hand, only to be overtaken by Milanion when he distracted her with three golden apples given him by Venus.

Diana the huntress was also reputedly a swift runner. Thus does the poet combine his themes: beautiful women and racing.

The victory the poet prays for is of course over the woman's resistance.

Neptune was god of the sea, which Ovid hated.

A common sort of miracle in ancient Rome was the reported nodding of the head of a god's statue, signifying approval of a prayer.

The poet says he will worship the woman more than Venus herself.

Answer 2

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RE:
Can anyone give me the summary of Ovid’s “Art of love” poems?
I have been trying to read the all three books, but there are full of vocabularies that I do not know, and I have no idea what the heck he is talking about.

I am doing this for my homework, which it asks “Give your overall perception and analysis of the art of love in pagan Roman culture as...

Answer 3

Ovid Sparknotes

Answer 4

I often end up posting the same question on other sites

Answer 5

LOLOL this is for pagan culture with Karl Squitier