Metamorphoses

Metamorphoses

by

Ovid

Byblis Character Analysis

Byblis is Caunus’s sister. As she grows up, she starts to desire her brother. She berates herself for her incestuous passion and tries to talk herself out of pursuing it. However, her passion becomes so intense that she writes her feelings on a tablet to Caunus. When Caunus reacts with disgust, Byblis continues to beseech him again and again, hoping he'll change his mind. When Caunus finally flees Byblis’s incessant advances, Byblis goes mad. She collapses on the ground, and some nymphs turn her into a mountain spring.

Byblis Quotes in Metamorphoses

The Metamorphoses quotes below are all either spoken by Byblis or refer to Byblis . For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Metamorphosis Theme Icon
).
Book 9: Byblis Quotes

I have committed a wrong which I cannot undo.
I’ve written my letter and asked for his love; my intention’s exposed.
If I venture no more, my reputation’s already tarnished;
there’s little to lose by further appeals, but much to be gained.

Related Characters: Byblis (speaker), Caunus
Related Symbols: Speech, Words, and Writing
Page Number: 626
Explanation and Analysis:
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Byblis Quotes in Metamorphoses

The Metamorphoses quotes below are all either spoken by Byblis or refer to Byblis . For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Metamorphosis Theme Icon
).
Book 9: Byblis Quotes

I have committed a wrong which I cannot undo.
I’ve written my letter and asked for his love; my intention’s exposed.
If I venture no more, my reputation’s already tarnished;
there’s little to lose by further appeals, but much to be gained.

Related Characters: Byblis (speaker), Caunus
Related Symbols: Speech, Words, and Writing
Page Number: 626
Explanation and Analysis: