Final answer:
Ovid's 'The Metamorphoses' focuses on complex themes of transformation, gender, sexuality, and identity, with the story of Iphis and Ianthe highlighting ancient views on female same-sex desire and societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main subject of Ovid's work, The Metamorphoses, particularly in the story of Iphis and Ianthe found in Book IX, revolves around themes of transformation, gender, sexuality, and identity. The tale narrates the story of Iphis, who is born female but raised as a male due to his father's edict of only raising a son. Iphis falls in love with Ianthe, and their love is deemed 'impossible' due to their same-sex desire. Ovid explores the intricacies of female same-sex desire and the societal constraints of the time. This leads to a miraculous transformation of Iphis into a male, conforming to the Roman views of 'natural' love between a man and a woman. Ovid's work is rich with discussion on performance -- socially, sexually, and metaphorically, providing readers with a complex look at ancient perspectives on gender roles and relationships.