Reading Notes: Ovid's Metamorphoses, Part B

Ovid's Metamorphoses: Narcissus
Ovid's Metamorphoses, translated by Tony Kline

"Narcissus and his Reflection"

Narcissus stops at this fountain that looks very appealing and untouched. It's surrounded by beautiful grass and trees, keeping the area shaded. He drinks some of the water, and sees his reflection in the fountain, and is just captivated by himself. He was so mesmerized by himself, that he reached for his own refection. Yet, he could not catch it. He lays on the grass, and ponders. Has anyone ever loved themselves as much as he loves himself? Narcissus is upset by the fact that his reflection seems to be wanting the same thing, yet he cannot reach it. In fact, he doesn't care to die if he cannot be with the one he loves (himself). He went back to reflection, and when his tears hit the water it obscured the image. This made him angry, and he hits his chest. He said goodbye to his reflection, and laid back down in the grass to die. As his sisters were preparing the funeral pyre, his body was no where to be found. Instead, in its place was a white flower with a yellow-heart center.