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The suicides of The Metamorphoses
Saxby Pridmore1, Zainab Abd Majeed
1University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia. s.pridmore@utas.edu.au
Summary
Ancient Greek literature, specifically Ovid's "The Metamorphoses," reveals early Western attitudes toward suicide. The text details various motives for suicide, including loss and fear, without moral condemnation.
Area of Science:
- Classical Studies
- Literary Analysis
- Cultural History
Background:
- Ovid's "The Metamorphoses" is a foundational text in Western literature and culture.
- Understanding historical perspectives on suicide offers insight into societal values and beliefs.
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