How does Ovid, by his style of writing, show that Niobe is fortunate? You should make two points and refer to the Latin. (Taken from a sample paper)

in quamcumque domus adverti lumina partem,

immensae spectantur opes; accedit eodem

digna dea facies; huc natas adice septem

et totidem iuvenes et mox generosque nurusque.

"immensae...opes", endless wealth, is a fitting start to the line. It is highlighted by the fact that it is at the start of its own clause. The two words scan as spondees, as the form mirrors the content. She is therefore shown to be extremely wealthy and fortunate.

As if wealth were not enough, the reader is told that she also is very beautiful. Ovid narrates that "accedit eodem/digna dea facies", there is added also beauty worthy of a goddess. In particular, the "accedit eodem", there is added [to this], highlights her previous blessings, whilst emphasising that she is fortunate in multiple ways, in part of a tricolon which finishes with Ovid telling the reader how many children Niobe has.

 

Answered by Fintan O. Latin tutor

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