(Ancient Text by Longus, translated by Ronald McCail) and (Contemporary Song by Maroon 5)
In Daphnis and Chloe, the main character’s lives are put against the backdrop of the natural world. While Daphnis and Chloe share romantic interest and one another, a different suitor by the name of Dorcon desires Chloe for himself. In an attempt to win her over, Dorcon hides himself while draped in the skin of a wolf as he waits to surprise Chloe and carry her off. Maroon 5’s Animals also contains reference to the natural world in regards to desire. The lyrics “Hunt you down, eat you alive just like animals,” don’t immediately bring forth images of love or relationship. Instead, much like Dorcon’s character in Daphnis and Chloe, the base desire for a woman is contrasted with the nature of predators, like wolves.
These depictions of attraction as primal and animalistic are harmful by perpetrating the idea that men are predatory and women are prey. The assumption that men’s attraction is predatory and that women are passive objects for attraction is contrasted by the genuine affection between Daphnis and Chloe.
It was the perfect place for a real wolf to lurk in ambush. Dorcon hid himself there and waited for the time when the flocks would come and drink; he was sure he could get his hands on Chloe after terrifying her with his wolf-suit.
Daphnis & Chloe, Longus, 1.20 (end)