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Hermitix

The Golden Ass by Apuleius (Book Review)

Jun 21, 2024
Delve into the lively and myth-filled world of 'The Golden Ass' by Apuleius with discussions on comedy, transformation, and spiritual growth. Explore the protagonist's adventures, encounters with bandits and poisonous flowers, and tales of love and humor amidst Roman life. Discover the book's episodic structure and lighthearted tone, contrasting it with modern literature.
37:19

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Quick takeaways

  • The Golden Ass by Apuleius blends comedy, romance, satire, and grotesque elements in a Roman comedic journey.
  • The novel showcases thematic depth through layers of storytelling, recursive narrative structure, and mythological gods intertwined with human desires.

Deep dives

Apuleius' The Metamorphoses: Roman Mythology and Tales

The podcast episode delves into Apuleius' The Metamorphoses, a second-century novel considered one of the earliest surviving Western tradition novels. The novel is described as raucous, adventuresome, and brimming with mythological elements. It presents a rich tapestry of stories featuring comedy, amorous characters, witches, ghosts, and transformations into animals, showcasing a blend of excess and unity through diverse themes.

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