The Art of Love Literary Elements

Love, romance

Rome, between 1 B.C.E. and 2 C.E

A character created by the author but not specifically identified

Comic in disharmony

The Man is the protagonist and the Woman is the antagonist.

Man's seeking to each woo, satisfy, as well as woman's role in keeping the love interested in her

In Book I, the climax occurs when the narrator talks about the most useful techniques that can be used by the man in order to attract a woman and make her interested in him.
In Book II, the climax happens when the narrator deals with things that can do to make the woman satisfied especially with matters that are related to sexual satisfaction.
In Book III, the climax is when he talks about the matter of jealousy and how the Woman should keep the Man jealous so that he becomes interested in her all the time.

In Book II, Ovid foreshadows "To be loved, be loveable." In this part of the poem, he predicts that the Man will be loved only in case he does things that would make other women love him.

The poet explains that love relationships should flow naturally without any plans. This understates the effect of setting plans in destroying love relationships.

Rome is used as an allusion to the beautiful women that are existed in the city.
Each of the theaters, forums, races, and public paths are being described as the best romantic places that lovers can meet in.
Maids are described as the keys to win ladies' hearts.
Letters and wine are the best methods that can be used to seduce women.

Sex emphasized as it's important to sexually satisfy the other partner.
The Roman community and culture are well-described by the theaters, dinner parties, etc.
Style and fashion also have an important role in seducing women.
The author also used the depiction of a soldier who obeys the commands of his leader, the same man should do with his wife.

There is a kind of paradox between Book I and Book II with Book III as the first two books focus on what man should do towards wife while the third one is directed to women and how they can keep men attracted to them.

There is parallelism in Book I and Book II as both of them are directed to men explaining each of how to find a woman to love and to keep this woman satisfied both sexually and emotionally.

God in the poem is mentioned to refer to the superpowers that each human being has. Each one of us has his/her special abilities that enable them to do whatever they want.

"Let love steal in disguised as friendship." In this quote, love is being described as a human being who can steal.