The Secret History Flashcards

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.