Not Logged in.
Book Jacket

The Second Mrs. Hockaday


At once a love story, a history lesson and a beautifully written tale of ...
Summary and Reviews
Excerpt
Reading Guide
Author Biography

There are many allusions to classical literature, myths and legends in the novel. Which stood out for you?

Created: 10/23/17

Replies: 4

Posted Oct. 23, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

There are many allusions to classical literature, myths and legends in the novel. Which stood out for you?

There are many allusions to classical literature, myths and legends in the novel. Which stood out for you?


Posted Nov. 15, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Carol Rainer

Join Date: 09/03/15

Posts: 89

RE: There are many allusions to classical literature, myths and legends in the novel. Which stood out for you?

Alas - I am not familiar with classical literature so I cannot comment on what I don't understand.


Posted Nov. 21, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dianaps

Join Date: 05/29/15

Posts: 460

RE: There are many allusions to classical literature, myths and legends in the novel. Which stood out for you?

Pandora and her box.


Posted Nov. 22, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
JLPen77

Join Date: 02/05/16

Posts: 362

RE: There are many allusions to classical literature, myths and legends in the novel. Which stood out for you?

The reference to Achilles, as not a slave but a hero, known for his moral as well as physical strength and courage but also for his vulnerability (symbolically, the "Achilles heel"), stands out for me because we have two major characters with that name, and both do show those qualities. In the Iliad, Achilles is a warrior who shows great loyalty to those he loves, and gets enraged to fight on their behalf. That seems appropriate to both characters as well, though their battles are of a different kind. Achilles in myth also courts the displeasure of the gods, as a matter of principle, and both characters with this name are willing to challenge conventional expectations or assigned roles in life, to act upon their moral convictions. I'm sure the author chose this name intentionally.


Posted Dec. 23, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rebeccar

Join Date: 03/13/12

Posts: 548

RE: There are many allusions to classical literature, myths and legends in the novel. Which stood out for you?

At the time I was reading, only 2 references immediately stood out: Pandora's box and Achilles as in a strong figure that also commits a deed that is terrifying. I must admit that a couple of times I felt like the other references seemed too forced. I don't have the book handy or I would thumb back through it to see if I wrote comments in the margin at the time.


Reply

Please login to post a response.