Metamorphoses in 'The Good Man of Szechwan' and 'Philemon and Baucis'. The division of good and

Study paper from 2020 in the field of German Studies - Comparative Literature, Grade: 2.0, University of Augsburg, Course: Ovid's Metamorphoses and their Reception, Language: German.

Abstract: This paper examines the mythologies "The Good Person of Szechwan" and "Philemon and Baucis" in terms of their portrayal of good and evil. It engages with the theme of transformation and reveals the moral dilemma of change. The conflict between good and evil, or between personal gain and social conscience, is a central theme. The works are particularly interesting due to the temporal distance between their creation. However, the question quickly arises as to what extent a transformation is merely an external change and to what extent metamorphosis can be seen as a division of personality.

The thesis, which states: "A transformation from Shen Te to Shui Ta is necessary to split good and evil," can be considered quite controversial and is primarily intended to be examined from both sides. Comparisons will then be drawn to Ovid's metamorphosis, with a focus on analogies. Subsequently, it will be clarified to what extent there is a division or a transformation. The paper concludes with a plea regarding the contrast of good and evil in relation to the aforementioned thesis.

Equally important is whether the metamorphosis sharply separates good from evil. It must also be considered how the concepts of good and evil have changed and in what aspects they differ or even resemble each other over time, from antiquity to modernity and postmodernity. These definitions and explanations serve as the tools to concretely address the thesis.