The Temptation of Saint Anthony: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Temptation of Saint Anthony" explores the spiritual trials of Saint Anthony, a hermit who grapples with feelings of despair despite his years of solitude. As he faces temptations from various figures, including gluttony, avarice, and lust, he encounters significant characters who challenge his faith and intellect. Hilarion, a former disciple, represents the intellectual temptations of the early church, exposing Anthony to heresies and false gods, each containing fragments of truth. The character of the Devil embodies the existential dread of infinity, while other figures, such as the Queen of Sheba and Apollonius, symbolize the allure of lust and power, respectively. Additionally, Marcellina and Montanus introduce elements of heresy and divine inspiration, further complicating Anthony's perceptions of faith. Ultimately, through these trials, Anthony emerges victorious, reaffirming his commitment to God when he sees Christ in the sun. This narrative highlights the complexity of spiritual struggles and the diverse influences that shape one's journey toward enlightenment.
The Temptation of Saint Anthony: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Gustave Flaubert
First published: La Tentation de Saint Antoine, 1874 (English translation, 1895)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Egypt
Plot: Historical
Time: Fourth century
Saint Anthony, a hermit for thirty years but now despondent because he feels that his life has been a failure. He is tempted by gluttony, avarice, and lust, but he overcomes them all. His disciple, Hilarion, appears to accuse him of ignorance and to tempt him intellectually by exposing him to all the confusing heresies of the early church and to the false gods of history, each of whom contained some element of truth. He is even carried into space by Satan, to be shown that the universe is limitless and meaningless and to be urged to curse God and acknowledge the Devil. Even this temptation Anthony overcomes, as well as the urgings of Death and Lust that he escape through them the ugliness of the world. When, the next day, Anthony sees the face of Christ in the sun, he knows that he has emerged victorious from his trials.
The Devil, who subjects Anthony to the horror of infinity.
Hilarion, Anthony's former disciple, who exposes him to the sins of the intellect.
The Queen of Sheba, who represents lust.
Tertullian, who drives away the heresiarchs.
Apollonius, who almost conquers Anthony by the offer of the power of having visions and of curing the sick.
Marcellina, a woman who tells Anthony that with the aid of a silver image she can cause Christ to appear.
Montanus, who, according to a strange woman Anthony meets, is the incarnation of the Holy Ghost.