The Last Athenian: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Last Athenian: Analysis of Major Characters" explores a rich tapestry of individuals set against the backdrop of religious and philosophical conflict in ancient Athens. Central to the narrative is Chrysanteus, the archon and wealthiest citizen, who embodies the pagan ideals of moderation and reason, ultimately facing tragic consequences as he is pursued by Roman forces. His daughter, Hermione, shares his beliefs but meets a harrowing fate when captured and forced into Christian baptism, choosing to end her life rather than live under such oppression.
The character of Peter, the bishop of Athens, presents a sharp contrast; he is depicted as a ruthless antagonist driven by ambition and betrayal, ultimately facing retribution from his own peers. Charmides, Hermione's betrothed, is ensnared in the political and personal turmoil, leading to his demise at the hands of a jealous suitor. Additionally, the narrative introduces Clemens, Chrysanteus’ long-lost son, whose deep Christian convictions lead him to reject his father’s legacy and seek solitude. The Roman proconsul, Annaeus Domitius, attempts to navigate the complexities of Athenian religious factions with a neutral stance, highlighting the nuanced tensions of the time. Together, these characters illustrate the profound struggles between paganism and emerging Christianity in a historical context that resonates with themes of identity, loyalty, and the impact of ideological divides.
The Last Athenian: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Viktor Rydberg
First published: Den siste Athenaren, 1859, serial (English translation, 1869)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Athens
Plot: Historical
Time: Fourth century
Chrysanteus (krih-SAHN-tee-uhs), an archon of Athens and its richest citizen. A pagan, he believes in Plato's philosophy of moderation and reason, as opposed to the Christian philosophy. He is forced to flee to the mountains and there is killed by the forces of Domitius.
Hermione (hur-MI-oh-nee), Chrysanteus' daughter and also a believer in the pagan philosophy. She is captured by Domitius' forces and is forcibly baptized a Christian. Rather than live under these conditions, she kills herself.
Peter, bishop of Athens. He is a sworn enemy of Chrysanteus and also of the Athanasian Christians. He connives to obtain Chrysanteus' wealth in order to buy the bishopric of Rome. He is poisoned by his fellow priests on orders of the Athanasians.
Charmides (KAHR-mih-deez), Hermione's betrothed. He is used by Bishop Peter in his fight against paganism and Chrysanteus. He is killed by a young Jew who discovers that Charmides has seduced his betrothed, the daughter of a Jew to whom Charmides owed a large amount of money.
Clemens (KLEH-mehns), Chrysanteus' long-lost son, who was reared as a Christian. He is returned to his father's pagan household but is so fanatic a Christian that he leaves and becomes a hermit, living in a cave outside Athens.
Annaeus Domitius (a-NEE-uhs doh-MIH-see-uhs), the Roman proconsul in Athens, who tries to keep to a middle-of-the road policy and not sympathize with any of the religious factions in the city.