Pyramus and Thisbe-pg. 49, question 1

Lines 118-127
"Ancient epic poems often contained seemingly gratuitous/unnecessary descriptions of physical violence; how is Ovid's graphic depiction of Pyramus' suicide, on the other hand, quite essential to the story line?"

Ovid's description of Pyramus' suicide is quite essential to the story line. Focusing for a minute soley on the actual story line, I believe that his death had to be intricately described because their love was intricate. Everything they did, every chance they had to see each other was brought about with plans and sneaking around. It took slyness to be able to sneak out to speak between the walls, but even greater slyness to be able to leave the confines of the city and run away together. That type of thing takes detail, planning. Pyramus' death reminds me of their love in how it was so detailed, so intricately described. It was painful to read and I think that was Ovid's point; I think Ovid wanted the reader to feel their love, if that makes sense. What I mean is this: it was frustrating to read about how Pyramus and Thisbe couldn't really see each other. It was also frustrating to read about Pyramus' suicide because of the fact that Thisbe wasn't even dead! Ovid wanted us to feel the frustration that Pyramus felt when he found that bloody veil and assumed the worst. Their relationship at this point in the story is all based on instant reactions. For example, when he sees the veil of Thisbe and animal tracks, he doesn't stick around to find out if she's actually dead! Instead, he reacts by deciding that she is dead and that he can't live without her. Thus, he kills himself. This is frustrating because, yes, to love someone so much that you feel like your life wouldn't be worth living without them is a common thought amongst teenagers. But he should've taken the time to think it through.