Publication details

Improved Ass? Apuleius’ metamorphoses in his novel Metamorphoses

Authors

PETROVIĆOVÁ Katarina GACHALLOVÁ Natália

Year of publication 2016
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Graeco-Latina Brunensia
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Arts

Citation
Web Digitální knihovna FF
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.5817/GLB2016-2-16
Field Mass media, audiovision
Keywords Apuleius; Metamorphoses; transformation; curiositas; ass’ amendment; lector scrupulosus; Isis-Book; elite readership
Description Apuleius’ novel Metamorphoses has always been open to various, often contradictory, interpretations of scholars. One of the most discussed issues has been the novel’s disruption into two seemingly dissimilar parts – the first ten books containing frivolous stories with comical elements and the Book XI (called also Isis-Book) written in more serious tone and supposed to convey a religious or, at least, moral message. The authors of this paper argue against such simplified assumption and regard the dividing line between the two parts a mere illusion. This opinion is manifested through the figure of the main protagonist, Lucius, who experiences a religious initiation into the Isiac cult in the last book. The aim of the paper is to show that, although he is finally re-transformed into human shape and even leads a prosperous life afterwards, inside he undergoes no change whatsoever and remains the same “ass” as in the beginning of the story, i.e. he is not improved in the end. This rules out the possibility that the novel conveyed any deeper religious message and rather points to another interpretation, namely that Apuleius wrote the novel for educated readership in the spirit of Platonic dialogues. Thus, the authors are convinced that the novel can be fully enjoyed only after a scrupulous and thoughtful reading.
Related projects:

You are running an old browser version. We recommend updating your browser to its latest version.

More info