Analyzing Ovidian Influences in a Roman Cēna: Recentius' Narrative

This assignment presents a narrative set in a Roman cēna, where the protagonist, Recentius, is tasked with experiencing and interpreting Ovidian themes. The scenario begins with a discussion between Gaius and other characters, Bellator and Octaviana, regarding Horace's influence and skepticism. Gaius provides both Bellator and Octaviana with resources, and then gives Recentius a copy of Ovid's 'Amores.' Recentius is then instructed to attend a cēna, which mirrors the setting of the first scene. This assignment requires the student to analyze the narrative, interpret the Ovidian influences present, and potentially create their own narrative based on the experience. The assignment encourages students to engage with classical literature and Roman culture, and interpret the themes of love, power, and societal expectations.

Operation FABULA AMORIS 2019TSTTMission 2Search
Required: Narrate an Ovidian time for your Recentius at a Roman cēna; illustrations are optional (like everything
else).
In peristyliō domūs Recentiae< Gaius listens, smiling, to Bellator's and Octaviana's opinions.
"Excellent!" he says. "If I'm not mistaken, we have a real difference of opinion, and I task both of you with sticking to
your opinions, if you can, so as to provide one another with as much aid as you can in the labors and journeys that
await you. Bellator, I do not think you wrong to find in Horace's advice to Romans and even in his celebration of his
own greatness a quality worth admiring and imitating." He hands a purse heavy with denarii to Bellator.
"Use it wisely," Gaius says, then turns to Octaviana. "I don't deny that I find your skepticism a little more appealing,
but perhaps that is because Horace's backers took our farm away. In any case, I want you to have this —" To your
surprise he hands a dagger to Octaviana. "— to exemplify your sharp wits and to defend you in tight corners."
Finally he looks around, as if to make sure none of the slaves is watching, though again he may be having you on, and
solemnly draws another volūmen from an inner fold of his toga.
He hands the roll to you, and you unroll a bit, toward the right, to see the title. AMORESPUBLIIOVIDIINASONIS heads
the leftmost column.
Gaius says "Read this, then go out and do likewise. My job is done for the moment."
He rises, and now you can see that he is trying very hard to hide a smile. Casting a sidelong glance at you as he goes,
perhaps to make sure you have begun reading, he walks away towards the tablīnum.
That's when the very confused looking slave appears, looking around as if trying to find someone. When he sees the
Recentii, he suddenly looks confident.
"You're the young Recentii?" he asks, respectfully. "I'm to bring you to the cēna at my master's house. No, just you,"
he says as you look around for Gaius.
The domus to which the slave leads you--just across the street--is nearly a carbon copy of the domus Recentia. You
can see that it's a rather large dinner party, and that there are many attractive young Romans present.