Allegory of War - “Love and War”
Ovid incorporates an allegory of war: “Lovers all are soldiers, and Cupid has his campaigns:/I tell you, Atticus, lovers all are soldiers.” The allegory exposes the foremost contestants in the game of love that comprise the Lovers versus Cupid. The soldiers must overpower Cupid for him to bestow Eros to them. The allegory of war epitomizes the gallantry that is material for lovers to appreciate Eros.
Venus - “Love and War”
Ovid cites pertinent Roman mythology: “Youth is fit for war, and also fit for Venus.” Alluding to Venus feminizes love. The feminization balances against the preceding Greek allusion to Cupid, who is male.
Beauty - “On Fidelity”
Ovid affirms, “I don't ask you to be faithful - you're beautiful, after all -but just that I be spared the pain of knowing.” Ovid’s assertion suppositions that beauty prompts infidelity. Ovid trusts that a stunning woman is prone to cheat on her partner for she is disposed to the interest of manifold men.
Chastity - “On Fidelity”
Ovid beseeches the lover, “Be wise, and learn at least to imitate chaste girls,and let me believe you're good, though you are not.” Chastity is emblematic of creditable integrity. Emulating spotless girls would make Ovid consider that his lover is devoted to him. The simulation corresponds to a mask that would amplify the illusion of fidelity.
Locked door - “On Fidelity”
Ovid observes, “The hooker, about to bed some Roman off the street/still locks her door first, keeping out the crowd:/will you yourself then make your sins notorious,/accusing and prosecuting your own crime?” The hooker cherishes the discretion of her escapades; otherwise, she would have left the door open. The closed door is an emblem of clandestine activity that could propagate a chronicle of fidelity.
