The Secret History Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What tendency does Henry display?

He has a good tendency.

What does the string of references in nature leading up to Bunny's death include?

Cool damp wind, apple blossoms, and silence in the woods.

How does the chain of reactions lead up to Bunny's death?

Bunny's death creates silence and tension, highlighting the atmosphere of impending doom.

What does the silence after Bunny's death resemble?

Their relief he is dead. Signup and view all the answers

What does the window symbolize in the story?

A separation between real life and fiction. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Consummatum est' signify in the context of Henry's character?

It represents Henry's Christ-like qualities. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Arcadia?

A removed paradise or lifestyle of leisure. Signup and view all the answers

What is Bathos?

Sinking. Signup and view all the answers

_____________ is the mother of beauty.

Death Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the pistol in the narrative?

It follows Chekhov's gun principle, indicating that early introduced elements are significant later. Signup and view all the answers

What is Chekhov's gun principle?

If something is mentioned early in a story, it should be important later. Signup and view all the answers

What violent act has Charles committed against Camilla?

He pulled her hair out from the root and burned her with a cigarette. Signup and view all the answers

Since Henry killed the farmer, how has his perspective changed?

He feels like he can do anything and is free from the thoughts of consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Who taught them that violent acts can lead to beautiful outcomes?

Julian. Signup and view all the answers

Why might Richard have violent thoughts about Camilla?

He becomes influenced by the group and feels guilt and terror, leading to inappropriate thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

What might have motivated Henry to commit suicide?

To save his friends from the consequences of their actions and because he felt his work was complete. Signup and view all the answers

What is Julian's view on death?

He believes death should not be feared as it's part of life. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the characters begin to lose their connection after Henry's death?

Without Henry, they had no reason to communicate or hold their group together. Signup and view all the answers

What does Richard often ponder about regarding Henry after his death?

His facial expression the moment before he shot himself. Signup and view all the answers

What motto did Hampden have?

Learn by doing. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'The past is never dead. It is not even past.' imply?

The past continues to influence the present and shapes the characters' experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote The Secret History?

Donna Tartt Signup and view all the answers

Who is The Secret History narrated by?

Richard Papen Signup and view all the answers

What is introduced in the beginning of the novel?

The murder of Bunny Corcoran Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of The Secret History?

New England, Hampden College, Vermont Signup and view all the answers

Describe Hampden College.

Small, elite liberal arts college Signup and view all the answers

Who were the two epigraphs in the novel from?

Plato and Nietzsche Signup and view all the answers

Would Nietzsche approve of Hampden College?

True Signup and view all the answers

Who is Julian Morrow?

Their professor/philosopher at Hampden College Signup and view all the answers

What did Julian Morrow require his students to do?

Drop all other classes and take only his classes Signup and view all the answers

Who do the students look to for guidance?

Julian Morrow Signup and view all the answers

Where are Julian's classes held?

In his office Signup and view all the answers

What does Bildungsroman mean?

A coming of age story Signup and view all the answers

This novel is a ________________ of Richard's education at Hampden College, or self-growth.

Bildungsroman Signup and view all the answers

How long was Bunny dead before he was found?

10 days Signup and view all the answers

Why did Richard Papen choose Hampden College?

He felt out of place in California Signup and view all the answers

Describe Richard.

Unhappy, transferred from a community college Signup and view all the answers

What did Donna Tartt do that was different?

She used WEST to EAST narrative Signup and view all the answers

Why did Richard Papen decide to take Greek?

It was an easy class and allowed him to sleep in Signup and view all the answers

Who are Charles and Camilla?

Twins raised by their grandmother Signup and view all the answers

Who is Bunny Corcoran?

Loud, clumsy, dependent on Henry Signup and view all the answers

Who did Richard have a job with?

Dr. Roland Signup and view all the answers

Who is Henry Winter?

Tall, rich, knowledgeable Signup and view all the answers

What does Henry do for Richard?

He saves him from the cold Signup and view all the answers

Who is Francis Abernathy?

Thin, nervous, possibly homosexual Signup and view all the answers

What was Julian's first lecture on?

Beauty/Terror Signup and view all the answers

Richard admits he is a ____________.

liar Signup and view all the answers

Why is the class perceived as play, not work?

The students feel educated and stress-free Signup and view all the answers

What did Richard notice about the kids early in the novel?

They seemed accident prone Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Camilla while walking alongside the water?

She stepped on glass and bled badly Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship with alcohol in this novel?

The students are heavy drinkers Signup and view all the answers

How do the students exhibit isolation from the world?

They are in ARCADIA Signup and view all the answers

How does Donna Tartt relate Titanic to the characters?

Francis's aunt's brother died in the Titanic Signup and view all the answers

What are the characters' views on Christianity and Catholicism?

Riddled with satire and complexity Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Henry takes out the glass from Camilla's foot?

He says, 'It is finished' Signup and view all the answers

Who is Dionysus?

God of Alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What is pedagogy?

Teaching style Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between education and alcohol?

Complicated and contradictory Signup and view all the answers

How do the students manage to stay drunk all the time?

They can buy expensive alcohol Signup and view all the answers

How does Henry save Richard?

Saves him from the cold Signup and view all the answers

Where did Bunny and Henry go?

To Italy Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Richard sees Bunny after Italy?

Bunny was miserably drunk Signup and view all the answers

What did Richard discover at Henry's?

4 tickets to Buenos Aires Signup and view all the answers

What is a Bakcheia?

A ritual ceremony Signup and view all the answers

What did the kids do during the Bakcheia?

Fasted and stayed drunk Signup and view all the answers

When did they kill the farmer?

November 10 Signup and view all the answers

What does Bunny start doing to them?

He starts calling them deerslayers Signup and view all the answers

What was Henry's plan to kill Bunny?

He pushed Bunny off a cliff Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Bunny when he was pushed off?

He snapped his neck and died Signup and view all the answers

Why does Richard feel guilty?

He revealed Bunny's concerns about their identity Signup and view all the answers

What does Bunny imply to Richard when he finds him in the woods?

He asks if they are burying the dead Signup and view all the answers

What does Bunny do with Henry's diary?

He blackmails Henry for money Signup and view all the answers

What does Henry say about Julian?

Julian is a divinity in their midst Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Secret History Overview

Written by Donna Tartt.
Narration by Richard Papen, reflecting on past events.

Plot Introduction

The murder of Bunny Corcoran marks a pivotal event that affects the isolated group of students.
Focus on the aftermath of Bunny's death.

Setting

Set in New England at Hampden College, modeled after Bennington College in Vermont.
Takes place during the 1980s.

Hampden College Description

A small, elite liberal arts college with a selective and close-knit student group.

Philosophical Influences

Epigraphs from Plato and Nietzsche set the themes of the narrative.
Nietzsche's approval of Hampden college linked to its Greek culture, yet he criticizes small class sizes.

Key Characters

Julian Morrow: A selective professor, teaching methods echo Nietzsche’s philosophies, influencing six chosen students.
Richard Papen: A transfer student from California, seeking belonging and wisdom.
Bunny Corcoran: The loud and clumsy member of the group, ultimately murdered; comes from a wealthy background.
Henry Winter: Tall, knowledgeable and complex; he directly influences others, ultimately committing suicide.
Francis Abernathy: Thin, nervous character perceived to be homosexual, with an isolated lifestyle.
Charles and Camilla: Wealthy twins with a complicated relationship; closely bond with Richard.

Themes and Literary Style

The narrative reflects a Bildungsroman, focusing on self-growth and education.
Donna Tartt utilizes a WEST to EAST narrative model, contrasting typical North to South stories.

Relationship with Alcohol

Alcohol is heavily intertwined with the educational experience, impacting learning and social interactions.
A duality exists where alcohol enhances social bonding yet poses risks to education.

Rituals and Pagan References

Bakcheia: A ritual aimed at connecting with Dionysus involving intoxication and sexual experiences.
Character dynamics shift according to these rituals, with moral implications and consequences.

Murder of the Farmer

Occurs on November 10; significant as it ties to the group’s transformation and psychological unraveling.

Symbolism

The window represents a barrier between reality and the impending chaos of murder.
Natural imagery before and after Bunny’s death symbolizes tension and foreshadows violence.

Religious Undertones

Multiple references to Christianity, pagan beliefs and moral complexity through character dialogues and actions.
Henry exhibits a Christ-like complex, paralleling themes of sacrifice and moral responsibility.

Conclusion

Bunny's death evokes a mixture of secrecy and relief among the characters, highlighting their complex interpersonal dynamics.
The narrative culminates in philosophical reflections regarding morality, beauty, and terror.### Henry Quoting Christ
Quoting Jesus emphasizes Henry's moral complexity and his inner struggles.
Aligning Henry with Christ portrays him as a savior figure amidst chaos.
His references to Christ suggest an aspiration for redemption and moral high ground.

Concept of Arcadia

Arcadia symbolizes a removed paradise or a leisurely lifestyle, reflective of characters’ desires.
The contrast between settings, like Francis's home and Hampden, highlights the quest for idealism.

Bathos

Defined as a sinking or anticlimactic moment, exemplified by the flushing toilets during chaotic events.
Illustrates the tragic reactions to art and impacts on young lives.

Chekhov's Gun

A narrative principle stating that introduced elements must become significant later on.
In "Secret History," the early introduction of a gun foreshadows crucial plot developments.

Richard's Dark Thoughts

Richard experiences disturbing thoughts about Camilla, revealing his conflicted emotions.
His contemplation of violence against her signifies a descent into moral ambiguity.

Henry's Transformation Post-Killing

After killing the farmer, Henry views life through a lens of newfound freedom and power.
Reflects on the human tendency to find beauty or liberation through violent acts.

Julian's Influence

Julian leads his students to believe that violence can yield beauty, which complicates their moral compass.
His departure leaves them rudderless, exhibiting his manipulative nature.

Henry's Suicide

Henry's act raises questions of martyrdom and sacrifice for the sake of his friends.
His death serves as a culmination of his ideological struggles and the burden of leadership.

Richard's Isolation

Richard's outsider status is reiterated through his experiences and reflections, emphasizing his yearning for belonging.
His shooting incident symbolizes both physical and emotional detachment from the group.

The Motif of Duty, Piety, Loyalty, and Sacrifice

Henry's final act encapsulates his adherence to these virtues, reflecting his internal conflict and yearning for nobility.
These concepts serve as guiding principles that drive character motivations throughout the narrative.

Growth and Loss in the Group

The group's cohesion dissipates with Henry's death, indicating his pivotal role as a leader.
Each character's regression post-Henry illustrates the influence of his absence on their identities and relationships.

Conclusion on Death and Memory

The notion that the past continually influences the present is encapsulated in Faulkner's quote.
The epilogue intertwines memories and realities, highlighting the characters' ongoing struggles with their legacies and choices.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Donna Tartt's novel, The Secret History, with these flashcards. Explore key characters and events as narrated by Richard Papen. Perfect for fans of literary analysis and deep discussions about the book's themes and plot twists.