Fatally Successful Performances

Abstract

This chapter concentrates on cases of fatally successful performances in the lengthy narrative sequence known as the Charite-complex (4.22–8.14). In this part of the novel the emphasis is on disguise and trickery. These notions can best be seen in two sequences: (1) Tlepolemus’ rescue of his bride Charite (7.1–14), and (2) the servant’s tale of Charite’s death (8.1–14). The first sequence reveals the fate awaiting the avaricious (the robbers), while the second constitutes a moral warning to those who are lustful (Thrasyllus). In both cases all major characters (i.e. Tlepolemus, Thrasyllus, and Charite) assume roles and succeed in their performances, but eventually meet a tragic death. Furthermore, the sequences are thematically interconnected: Tlepolemus presents himself as a friend to the robbers in order to liberate Charite from captivity in the robbers’ cave, destroy the gang for their greed and then marry his bride. Similarly, Charite will later present herself as friend and potential wife to Thrasyllus in order to punish him for killing her husband and harboring sexual designs upon her. Having accomplished her plan, Charite is free to reunite with her husband in death, just as Tlepolemus had previously wedded her after successfully implementing his plan against the robbers.