Bauchis And Philemon

Question 1

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 6/Lines 1-5):

Answer 1

• “parvos…penates” — alliteration of ‘p’ sound emphasises the small size of the house
• “summiosque…intrarunt” — word choice/imagery, the gods bowing their head to B&P, which is almost like a reversal of roles because people bow their heads in honour toward the gods, symbolism for how respectable/noble B&P were for their kind actions
• “iussit” — Philemon ‘orders’ the gods to sit down and be comfortable, ironic word choice because he isn’t being demanding/mean, he is just so eager to help and welcome them

Question 2

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 6/Lines 6-14):

Answer 2

• “sordida terga” — word choice, describing the meat as ‘meagre’ shows how very little they have, but they still share what they can give
• “et…et…et..que” — use of polysyndeton, repeating the word ‘and’, this creates a list which emphasies the sheer amount of chores they were doing for their guests - they were going out of their way for them
• “cortice sicco nutrit” — Bauchis adding more wood to their fire, shows how kind the couple are because they don’t have a lot but are trying to make the home comfortable for the gods

Question 3

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 7)/Lines 1-11):

Answer 3

• “succincta” — imagery of Bauchis tucking in her dress to move around easier - something unexpected from a noble Roman woman, however tha fact that Bauchis does it emphasises the couple’s humble nature
• “testa…fecit” — word choice showing that the couple cannot afford to go out and buy a new table, so they use whatever they can find to solve their problem
• “mentae virentes” — Bauchis swiping the table with mint leaves - shows that she is so diligent in cleaning/preparing for their guests, she pays attention to the smallest of details like making the table smell nice
• “bicolor…ovaque” — imagery, the wide range of food the couple prepares shows their generosity; these are quite simple foods in contrast to the meals of wealthier Romans, but they are taking so much care in making it

Question 4

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 7)/Lines 12-19):

Answer 4

• “calentes” — the couple now prepare hot food for the gods, showing how accommodating they were, making separate courses
• “hic nux…omnia vultus” — more listing, emphasises the sheer amount of food the couple were willing to give because they’re so kind
• “pauperque voluntas” — the couple are not obliged in the slightest, they are just doing this out of the kindness of their heart

Question 5

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 9)/Lines 1-13):

Answer 5

• “femina coniuge iusto” — huge compliment to Bauchis, saying she is worthy to be the wife of Philemon
• “cum Baucide” — Philemon doesn’t have to confide with Bauchis, the gods don’t ask her what she wants, but it shows the respect between them because he discusses their wish with her/keeps her involved
• “poscimus” — the couple asks but in a very timid, respectful manner (characterisation)
• “concordes egimus annos” — Philemon says that he and his wife have had a happy life together, showing they truly love one another, they’ve stayed together so long
• “horas…duos” — the couple asks to die at the same time, which is a strong testament to the strength of their relationship; they couldn’t bear to be without the other
• “annis…soluti” — B&P and are about to transform into trees so they can be with each other for a long time
• “templi…fuere” — alliteration of ‘t’ sound, B&P are now guardians of the temple
• “frondere…frondere” — repetition; the couple are turning to trees

Question 6

“esse sacerdotes” (Extract 9)

Answer 6

B&P ask to be priests of the temple, which shows their humility and generosity - they don’t ask to live in the temple, they only want to serve the gods (characterisation)

Question 7

Give examples of language techniques used by Ovid in the passage (Extract 9)/Lines 14-22):

Answer 7

• “crescente cacumine” — alliteration of ‘c’ creates a climax which mirrors the trees rising up and the couple’s physical form being changed
• “simul simul” — repetition emphases the close relationship of this couple because they even speak at the same time to say goodbye
• “vale” — the couple says goodbye to one another for the last time
• “abdita…frutex” — word choice, their final words they say to each other before death are words of affection and love - now they are silenced by turning into trees, but they will always be side by side guarding their temple, just as they wanted
• “geminos…truncus” — sentence structure, interlocking word order which mimics the intertwining of the trees - they are forever bound to one another
• “deum, di/coluere, colantur” — double polyptoton, Ovid is being playful/smart ending the story with repeats of words that are integral to the message of it