Ovid and Petronius’ Pyramus and Thisbe (Satyricon 131.8-11 and Metamorphoses 4.55-166)

Abstract Petronius’ engagement with Ovid’s poetry in the Croton episode of Satyricon is more extensive than has previously been appreciated. As well as drawing upon Ovidian elegiac poetry, especially Amores 3.7, description Encolpius’ second failed tryst Circe at 131.8-11 also alludes to narrative Pyramus and Thisbe Metamorphoses 4.55-166. This ironic perversion one ’ most innocent tragic narratives parallels later allusion 135.3-137.12, where story pious couple Philemon Baucis ( Met . 8.616-724) recalled during visit Oenothea’s hut. exploits thus shown be deeper realised.