The image above is a word cloud created specifically for this passage, it has been modified from its original form by adding in the following words: pompa, Isis, and spectacula (pomp/procession, Isis, and spectacles). The word clouds below represent those created using only the selected passage from the Metamorphoses. For the purposes of this exercise, the most frequently used Latin words such as 'et' and 'cum' have been excluded (selected by the Wordle creation tool) in order to generate a cloud which places more emphasis on the nouns, verbs, and adjectives used. Those words seen in larger font represent those words more frequently used in the Latin text and those in smaller font correspond with lesser used words. A general analysis comparing all of the selected spectacles passages from the Metamorphoses is conducted in the 'Word Cloud Analysis' section of this webpage. At this point, please consider the questions posed below.
Does the shape selected for each word cloud affect your understanding of the text or your analysis of the word usage? If so, how?
What words are used most frequently in this passage?
Are these the words you expected to find?
What words are used most frequently in this passage?
Are these the words you expected to find?
Does perspective and/or color change have any effect on your understanding of the text?
Does the use of color affect your understanding of word usage? Is there a difference?
Do different words stand out in this black and white version compared to the color clouds above?
Do different words stand out in this black and white version compared to the color clouds above?
Finally, what do these clouds reveal about Roman spectacle? How does this compare to the clouds generated by the other passages?
Procession as Spectacle most common words (in no particular order):
Procession as Spectacle most common words (in no particular order):
Most common words:
deae - goddess religionis - conscientiousness, sense of right, moral obligation, duty, convictions, a religious scruple, scruple of conscience, apprehension of divine anger, fear of the gods, superstitious, awe, oath (sense of religious obligation) dextera - the right hand, a pledge of friendship (positive connotations) coronam - a garland, chaplet, wreath, crown, diadem, circle (also a surrounding army) mihi - me, myself (dative of ego) sacerdos - a priest, priestess |
Second most common words:
tunc - (adverb demonstrative of time) then, at that time, just then, on that occasion, now, at this time, in that event, thereupon, forthwith, just afterwards, accordingly, consequently consimilem - (adjective) entirely, similar, very like aurem - gold, golden luster, brightness, an ornament, implement, or vessel of gold gerebat - (verb: gero; imperfect active indicative, 3rd person) to bear about, bear, carry, wear, have, hold, sustain, bring forth, produce, keep, cherish, regulate etc. numinis - (from numen) a nod, command, will, authority, the divine will, power of the gods, divine sway, supreme authority nunc - (adverb) now, at present, at this time, not until now etc. tam - (adverb) as much, so much etc. |
Which words relate most closely to spectacle? Which ones have a more religious/sacred connotation? Could some words be categorized as both?
What other words pertaining to spectacles can be seen in the word cloud that are not listed above?
What other words pertaining to spectacles can be seen in the word cloud that are not listed above?