In what ways can Thetis be understood as a transformation of power?
Throughout the poem Thetis is seen to shape shift. In the beginning she is seen to be a small song bird, crushed by the strength of her pursuer’s hand. She then shape shifts to larger animals such as an albatross, snake or a lion, showing that she is transforming to stronger animals to try and escape her pursuer, yet none of them work highlighting her lack of power when her pursuer is involved. During her transformations she is beaten by him in every stanza, even in the last one where arguably the largest transformation happens, she becomes a mother. For some this is seen as her being trapped in a form that she didn’t chose as a result of her being raped, for others it gives her freedom as she is now free from having to shape shift, giving her the power that she needed to escape the pursuer.
Lovely overview, Lily – clear and well-written. One thing to consider in addition to this is the way in which we might interpret Thetis and her pursuit in a contemporary context – what might that mean to a C21st audience?