Final answer:
Narcissus and Echo are best described as being punished severely for their flaws, with Narcissus becoming a flower due to his vanity and Echo being cursed to only repeat other's words.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the readings of Ovid's Metamorphosis and various artistic interpretations like those of Caravaggio and Salvador DalĂ, Narcissus and Echo are best described as punished severely for their flaws. Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, unable to pull away, and ultimately turned into a flower, symbolizing the severe consequence of his vanity. Likewise, Echo was punished to only repeat the words of others, a consequence of her loquacity. Therefore, it's evident they both faced severe repercussions for their respective flaws, rather than finding true love or being transformed into higher beings.