I find your point of the Dionysian aestheticism seen through Julian really interesting. Your point of the student/ teacher relationship (Julian/Henry) through the lense of this aestheticism truly unique. Your insights into this story are new to me, and I admire these newfound perspectives thoroughly. While I never thought of the Dionysian impact in The Secret History, reading your thoughts has left me wanting to re-explore this story and the relationships and dynamics through this lense to find these comparisons for myself.
Hey, thank you so much for reading. Here’s a quote I like from Julian speaking of the Bacchae, “If we are strong enough in our souls we can rip away the veil and look that naked, terrible beauty right in the face; let God consume us, devour us, unstring our bones. Then spit us out reborn.” (The Secret History)
Refers to some form of transcendence through ritual, and is strong evidence of Julian quite naively encouraging the Bacchic experience.
Really interesting insights here! Also started rereading recently and it strikes me that it's seeded from the start and woven deep into Richard as our narrator.
It's there from the start of Chapter 1:
"Does such a thing as 'the fatal flaw,' that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature? I used to think it didn’t. Now I think it does. And I think that mine is this: a morbid longing for the picturesque at all costs."
Really, it's a Dionysian desire for beauty at all costs that proves everyone's undoing.
Hey! Your post caught my eye on my homepage and I just wanted to send some support your way. Whenever you have a moment I’d be grateful if you could check out my latest newsletter. I’m always happy to support and lift each other up!
I loved this! You bring into the spot light perspectives and different angles that would have otherwise been looked over and missed completely!
And I really would love to see a piece where you dive into Julian more!!!
This was well written 🧡
Thanks so much for reading! Will definitely have a think about this. Are there any books in particular you’d like a similar literary breakdown for?
Hmm, can’t think of any off the top of my head. Let me think and get back to you!
Hi!
I find your point of the Dionysian aestheticism seen through Julian really interesting. Your point of the student/ teacher relationship (Julian/Henry) through the lense of this aestheticism truly unique. Your insights into this story are new to me, and I admire these newfound perspectives thoroughly. While I never thought of the Dionysian impact in The Secret History, reading your thoughts has left me wanting to re-explore this story and the relationships and dynamics through this lense to find these comparisons for myself.
Hey, thank you so much for reading. Here’s a quote I like from Julian speaking of the Bacchae, “If we are strong enough in our souls we can rip away the veil and look that naked, terrible beauty right in the face; let God consume us, devour us, unstring our bones. Then spit us out reborn.” (The Secret History)
Refers to some form of transcendence through ritual, and is strong evidence of Julian quite naively encouraging the Bacchic experience.
I’ve never thought at it from the point that Dionysus was there! Really great angle!
Really interesting insights here! Also started rereading recently and it strikes me that it's seeded from the start and woven deep into Richard as our narrator.
It's there from the start of Chapter 1:
"Does such a thing as 'the fatal flaw,' that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature? I used to think it didn’t. Now I think it does. And I think that mine is this: a morbid longing for the picturesque at all costs."
Really, it's a Dionysian desire for beauty at all costs that proves everyone's undoing.
A lot to think about. Thanks so much for posting!
Thank you for reading!
This is a really great insight - I love that quote.
It seriously does foreshadow both Richard and the groups obsession with aestheticism!
Side note: if you haven’t already, check out July’s book club read. Hoping it’ll be a good one. I’ll post similar works as we read through!
I love this, especially the Dionysus comparisons! Julian is a fascinating character; you should write another piece delving more into him
Hey! Your post caught my eye on my homepage and I just wanted to send some support your way. Whenever you have a moment I’d be grateful if you could check out my latest newsletter. I’m always happy to support and lift each other up!