Reality of lovers discovered through their imaginations: a comparative study of the two lovers in propertius and ovid

Abstract

Positive imaginations have an impact on the way one perceives the world according to neuroscience. Therefore, a positive imagination of a miserable lover would provide him/her with a temporary relief from the bitter reality. Although W. R. Johnson (2009), N. Holzberg (2002), P. Hardie (2002), R.R. Caston (2012), Roy K. Gibson (2017)) have looked into the miserable state and the imaginations of the lovers of Propertius and Ovid, not many have focused on the discovery of the miserable state of these lovers through their imaginary authority over the beloveds. The objective of this study, therefore, is to compare the imaginary authority of the two lovers and reveal how these imaginations highlight their miserable situations. The study reasons as to why such imaginations are existent in the minds of the lovers. It undertakes a close reading of Propertius’ Carmina 1.18 and Ovid’s Amores 1.4 in Latin. In addition, the other poems of Propertius and Ovid are also used together with modern scholarship for the purpose of comparison and substantiation. Careful examination of the two poems reveals that the two lovers in the two poems possess an imaginary authority over their beloveds. The authority of Propertius’ lover is highlighted through his complaints against the beloved (1.18,05-23) but his weakness to openly accuse her makes his authority less real (1.18,24-30). Ovid’s lover, on the other hand, maintains his authority through his commands to the beloved (1.4, 13-60). Nevertheless, he yearns for the attention of the beloved at least for some time through these commands, as the husband of the beloved has more authority than him (1.4, 60-70). Hence, in both the poems, the imaginary authority of the lovers highlights their misery rather than the authority. In conclusion, it is revealed that the two miserable lovers imagine their own authority in order to console themselves at least temporarily. For, it is disappointing to see that the two lovers continue their relationship in spite of their misery. Therefore, the two poets have given their personae a chance to temporarily escape the reality that emphasizes the extent to which they are miserable in the real world. This portrayal of the two lovers will lead to a better understanding and insight to the other works of the two poets.