Jess, before we move on to Chapter 4, this quote form Chapter 3 has been troubling me. I would be interested in your take on it:
“I thought I would pray before going, but did not know which altar to turn to; for the gods seemed everywhere, all saying the same word to me, as if they had been not twelve but one. I felt I had seen a mystery, yet knew not what. I was happy. Wishing to praise all gods alike, I stood where I was and lifted my hands to the sky.”
I see this as Renault effectively selling her soul to the devil. A cop-out. On the nose. Not kosher. It’s almost as though she’s hedging her bets and pandering to her predominantly Christian readership here. Alluding to the forthcoming, glorious (Humph, vandalising more like!) Christian era. I am aware of the Dionysian Mysteries, but the word “mystery” used in this context, immediately on the heels of “not twelve but one (god)”, has a decidedly Christian odour attached to it for me.
Am I over-reacting? No-one would be happier than me if you tell me I’m misjudging Renault here, because I love her work, and only want to enjoy it and gain from it. Please tell me I’m wrong. I want you to tell me I’ve got this all wrong, Jess.