Doodles Of The Characters From Donna Tartt's The Secret History

I lied. Put your clothes back on. I’m going to explain why i love The Secret History and how it also criticizes me.

I think it's interesting that many of the languages Henry learns are liturgical/sacred/associated with religious works.

Ancient Greek goes without saying, but there's also (If I remember correctly, don't have access to the text at the moment) Coptic, Latin, and Pali.

Henry has been searching for something beyond the physical world to believe in, and feel at home in because he isn't altogether connected to this world. He uses the skill he knows he has, languages, to search for a place he feels spiritually at home.

Him suggesting the bacchanal tells us he does believe in the Greek pantheon, but if we stick with this reading, that makes sense because Julian encourages a tendency he already had.

Henry's headaches could perhaps be likened to trances, further cementing him as a character drawn toward faith. His material wealth also highlights this, as he is mostly disconnected from the real world in the sense of needing to know how much things cost.

His search for faith begins before joining the greek class. This could bring him into a parallel with Richard, who recognizes he himself was in the right circumstances to be in a cult, also searching for something more than his physical/material life

Odysseus: *lying, traveling, stealing, etc*

Hermes, the god of all those things: YOURE DOING AMAZING SWEETIE

in another universe richard is selling avon

Cherry Till 🍒

the greek class + bunny

Something I just realized, Odysseus calls Telemachus by his name throughout Act I. Then when he get back to Ithaca, anytime he references Telemachus he calls him a familial title.

“… and hurt my boy”

“You plotted to kill my son”

“Son.”

“Oh my son look how much you’ve grown. Oh my boy, sweetest joy I’ve known.”

“My son I’m finally home!”

Then he calls his son by name while they embrace.

“Telemachus. I’m home.”

I just think it’s interesting. It’s like he’s reminding himself of what his son‘s name is throughout the Trojan War and his journey home.

When he gets back, he’s letting everyone know he’s claiming Telemachus, and reminding the suitors that Telemachus is his son, and he is Telemachus’ father.

Finally, the first time he calls Telemachus by his name, is after the two of them have rekindled their relationship. (I Can’t Help But Wonder is basically the two of them sharing how he views the other.)

hello winterbunny nation

og image can be found on irasutoya

Odysseus and Penelope's first date:

Athena:

Young Donna Tartt. You’re welcome.