Pyramus & Thisbe (lines: 55-77)

So far in Pyramus & Thisbe, Ovid has used several Rhetorical devices, including:

1. In line 55 when Ovid writes, “iuvenum pulcherrimus alter” which translates to, “one the most handsome of young men.” This is a hyperbole that is used to get the point across that Pyramus is good looking. It is an exaggeration to say he is the most handsome of all men.

2. In line 68 when Ovid writes, “quid non sentit amor?” which translates to, “what does love not feel?” This is a rhetorical question which means it is a question that is not meant to be answered but rather is added in for an effect; to get the reader/listener thinking about something.

3. In line 73 when Ovid writes, “paries, quid amantibus obstas?” which translates to, “wall, why do you oppose lovers?” this is an example of personification because Ovid is giving in inanimate object (the wall) human characteristics by asking why it opposes lovers. A wall cannot oppose because it is an inanimate object.