'Golden Ass Book Review\r'

'Apuleius. The grand Ass. Translated by Joel C. Relihan. Indianapolis/Cambridge: Hackett produce Company Inc, 2007. Acknowledgements. Introduction. Maps. Index. Pp. xlv, 254. Apuleius’ The chromatic Ass describes the trials and tribulations of Lucius, a privileged man who’s fundamental curiosity p piece of ass offs to his unfortunate transformation into an ass. His jaunt as an ass leads to a newfound perspective, enlightenment, and eventual salvation. Relihan’s deracination is vividly descriptive and allows the modern reader to disturb to the tale.\r\nAlthough extremely complex and vulgar at times, The well-to-do Ass is an entertaining, irritationous, and inspiring narration which bequeaths valuable sharpness into ancient authoritative society. The flamboyant Ass consists of many stories which argon all interconnected. Apuleius weaves folk tales and myths into the main stage of Lucius, which draw parallels to the main theme of The Golden Ass. The reader must pay cheeseparing circumspection to such tales, particularly that of Cupid and Psyche, as they atomic number 18 master(prenominal) in sympathy Lucius’ redemptive pilgrimage. Although the format is often surd to follow, it is crucial to the significance of the story .\r\nLucius’ burning curiosity and inability to control his desires lead to his transformation and all the negative consequences which follow. Apuleius whitethorn have been attempting to convey the downfalls of greed and lust, exhibit that they always lead to trouble. Lucius’ experiences as an ass be often very unmatched and explicit. Apuleius’ wit and use of exciteual humor provide light-hearted entertainment for the reader. On the different hand, Lucius also lives the inhumane disembodied spirit of a slave after his transformation to an ass. He experiences a way of life he never thought of before his transformation.\r\nHe is abused and fears for his life on several(pren ominal) occasions. This perhaps reveals another moral of The Golden Ass, that is, treat others how you would like to be treated. The Golden Ass serves as an excellent historic document. It describes ancient Greco-Roman society’s morals, social classes, and overall way of life. Apuleius offers insight into all sectors of society. Wealthy upper classes, thieves, artisans, and slaves are all depicted in undischarged detail. The society portrayed in The Golden Ass is in chaos. Greed, immorality and aversion are abundant.\r\nWhen Lucius is living with a base of robbers, the reader gets to see how their society functions democratically, as well as their desperation and greed. Lucius’ life as an ass shows his maltreatment as well as the abuse of the slaves well-nigh him. These descriptive passages cause the reader to commiserate with both Lucius and the slaves. This makes his journey more meaty and effective at the end. The portrayal of women in The Golden Ass shows that women were viewed very negatively. The recital of the Wife’s Tub, Miller’s Wife, and Drycleaner’s Wife, all describe women as adulterous and manipulative.\r\nAnother story, the Tale of the heavy Land Owner, shows the tyrannical nature of the clarified land owner’s of the time. These were probable the characteristics of the society in which Apuleius lived. Relihan’s translation offers several tools which are beneficial in helping the reader understand the text. The design provides a summary of the work and important background information rough Apuleius. The maps and big businessman are helpful to the reader, as they provide more detailed information active place location and character description.\r\nA glossary of major characters is not included, exactly would have been helpful. The Golden Ass is not for the conservative reader, as it contains explicit sex and violence. One must pay slopped attention to the story, as there are many deta ils which could easily be missed. The Golden Ass is witty, descriptive, and historically relevant. Readers depart be entertained by Lucius’ journey to redemption and gain information about ancient society. As stated in the first chapter, â€Å"pay close attention and joy shall be yours. ” (p. 3).\r\n'