Vixisset Phyllis, si me foret usa magistro Erotodidaxis and Intertextuality

Abstract

This chapter takes up the invitation offered by the praeceptor in Ars 3 to (re-)read the Heroides as part of an implicit love-lesson: by 're-enacting' scenarios in the letters with a certain level of detachment, Ovid suggests that the pupil may be able both to empathise with the heroine's words and to assess their erotodidactic significance. Focussing on two of the letters - those of Ariadne and Phyllis - the chapter demonstrates how the Heroides can be used by the female reader both to reinforce the praeceptor's advice and to offer additional, 'extra-curricular' instruction.