Ovid

• What was the goal of the Ars Amatoria's second half?

  To teach women how to seduce men
• Does Ovid write as himself?

  No, he takes on a fake persona for an element of humour
• "It's not fair for armed men to battle naked girls"
• Which mythological figures does Ovid criticise for their treatment of women?

  Jason and Theseus
• What happened to Ovid before he died?

  Augustus exiled him because of some of the things he wrote in the Ars Amatoria
• How did Ovid criticise Augustus in the Ars Amatoria?

  By criticising Aeneas for abandoning Dido
• Which goddess does Ovid claim ordered him to instruct women?

  Venus
• Who was Stesichorus?

  A man who lost his sight after writing poems criticising Helen. He miraculously regained his sight after he wrote poems praising Helen
• Why was myrtle significant?

  It was a symbol of Venus and a euphemism for female genitalia
• How does Ovid inspire fear in his audience?

  By reminding them that old age comes quickly and they should have affairs while they're still young
• "I'm blown about by greater gusts of wind"
• How does Ovid describe beauty?

  "A gift from the gods"
• What does Ovid say about ancient times?

  That he's glad to have been born at just the right time
• What does Ovid advise women to do with their hair?

  Find the style that suits them
• What does Ovid advise women to do about clothing?

  Buy cheap clothing and don't make it too obvious that they're wealthy by wearing expensive colours, like purple
• What does Ovid advise women to do with their body hair?

  To shave it
• Why does Ovid advise women to brush their teeth?

  Because blackened teeth was often associated with prostitutes and would have been unappealing towards men
• "Art delights in its hidden face"
• "Many things that please when done, are ugly in the doing"
• What does Ovid suggest women should do while they put on make up in the morning?

  Banish men
• How does Ovid advise women should privately get their hair done?

  By having a guard outside their house or by doing it at Bona Dea's temple
• "Hornless cows are ugly, fields are ugly without grass, and bushes without leaves, and a head without its hair"
• Who does Ovid suggest his target audience is?

  Women who are not naturally beautiful
• What advice does Ovid give to short women?

  To sit down and wear long clothes
• What advice does Ovid give to slender women?

  To wear loose clothing
• Which other traits of women does Ovid seem to find unattractive?

  Those with small chests, bad breath and bitten nails
• How does Ovid describe laughter if a woman's teeth were "blackened?"

  A "fatal error"
• What does women state about women crying?

  They are taught to cry and use this to their advantage
• What does Ovid suggest is attractive in Section 6?

  "Charm's in a defect" such as a woman having a lisp
• How does Ovid use humour in Section 6?

  "I want to kiss your shoulder, as far as its shown." The Romans found direct speech particularly funny
• What does Ovid say about girls who are good at singing?

  "For many your voice is a better procuress than your looks."
• How does Ovid express his desire to be remembered in Section 7?

  "Perhaps my name will be lingered with those, my works not all given to Lethe's streams."
• What does Ovid advise women to do in Section 8?

  Learn how to dance and play games
• How does Ovid suggest the main purpose of the Ars Amatoria was to please men in Section 8?

  "Jupiter keep you free from all such vile reproaches, you who have any desire to please men."
• Where does Ovid suggest women should go to see men?

  Theatres and the chariot races
• How does Ovid state his desire to be remembered after his death in Section 9?

  "What do sacred poets seek but fame?"
• Why does Ovid state that women should be seen around?

  So that there would be more opportunities for them to see men
• Which mythical example does Ovid use to warn women of the danger of false lovers?

  "Troy would remain if Cassandra's warnings had been heeded"
• What does Ovid believe false lovers will do to women?

  Steal their clothes and money
• Which mythological figures does Ovid use as examples of false lovers?

  Theseus and Demophoon