Rhetorical Analysis

This story is a rich tale of transformation, heroism, and tragedy, and it showcases Ovid's clever use of poetic figures to convey complex emotions and themes. My analysis focuses on two key poetic figures: anaphora and apostrophe, examining how they contribute to the artistic effects and deeper understanding of the text.

A notable use of anaphora happens in lines 208-209, where Ovid emphasizes the number of soldiers turned to stone:

“Nomina longa mora est media de plebe virorum
dicere; bis centum restabant corpora pugnae,
Gorgone bis centum riguerunt corpora visa” (lines 207-209).

In these lines, the repetition of "bis centum" (twice a hundred) draws attention to the vast number of soldiers who fell victim to Medusa. This anaphora showcases the scale of the devastation, emphasizing Perseus's power and the terror inflicted upon his enemies. The deliberate repetition of "corpora" (bodies) also reinforces the sheer physicality of the transformation and the horror of seeing so many lives frozen in stone. The phrase "restabant corpora pugnae" (the bodies of the fight remained) suggests not only the end of the battle but also the permanence of their transformation. By repeating "bis centum" and "corpora," Ovid creates a rhythmic and haunting echo, reinforcing the sense of overwhelming loss and the eerie silence that follows the chaos of battle. This repetition also dehumanizes the soldiers, reducing them to mere numbers and lifeless statues.

Another poetic figure in this passage is apostrophe, particularly in Phineus's desperate plea to Perseus:

“Avertitur atque ita supplex

confessasque manus obliquaque bracchia tendens

‘vincis’ ait, ‘Perseu; remove tua monstra tuaeque

saxificos vultus, quaecumque est, tolle Medusae,

tolle, precor...’” (lines 214-217).

In this apostrophe, Phineus begs for Perseus's mercy. The structure of his plea, with its urgent repetition and emotional language, shows his desperation. Phineus’s use of "supplex" (suppliant) and "confessasque manus" (confessing hands) puts him in a position of submission, which contrasts with his previous aggression. "Vincis" (you conquer) at the beginning of his speech acknowledges Perseus's superiority, setting the tone for his supplication. The repetition of "tolle" (take it away) shows his desperation once again, creating a repetitive urgency that mirrors his frantic state. This apostrophe humanizes Phineus and can even elicit sympathy from the reader, making his eventual fate more poignant.

Through these poetic figures, Ovid achieves true emotional depth. The anaphora reinforces the theme of overwhelming and indiscriminate power. It also underscores the tragedy of the conflict, where individual identities are lost in the mass transformation. This highlights the dehumanizing effects of war and violence, although Ovid was probably less focused on that.

The apostrophe shifts the tone from battle to tragedy, showing the futility of his resistance. His recognition of Perseus's superiority and his submission reveal the inevitability of his fate and the power dynamics at play. 
A close reading of the rhetorical devices in this passage of Ovid's Metamorphoses reveals his skillful manipulation of language to convey complicated themes and emotions. The anaphora in lines 208-209 emphasizes the scale of transformation and captures the dehumanizing effects of Medusa's power. Phineus’s apostrophe to Perseus humanizes the character and adds a tragic dimension to the story. Through these poetic figures, Ovid enhances the dramatic tension and thematic richness of his epic, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of transformation, power, and mercy.