ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the repetitive nature of the exilic poetry that has both baffled scholars and has resulted in negative assessments of the body of poetry and proposes that for Ovid, the poetic act constitutes an attempt at therapy. It analyzes the demanding and painful process of learning to bear witness, suspending preconceived judgments, and engaging the tragic audience. The book argues that Seneca puts to work not only philosophical tenets but also allusions to literature in order to instruct his reader in dealing with the fear and anguish produced by natural disasters such as earthquakes. It argues that Seneca puts to work not only philosophical tenets but also allusions to literature in order to instruct his reader in dealing with the fear and anguish produced by natural disasters such as earthquakes.
