Hypatia · Chapter
XVI: Venus and Pallas explained
Philammon, fleeing from the monks who seek to return him to slavery, seeks refuge in Pelagia's house, where Wulf and Smid protect him.
What happens
Philammon, fleeing from the monks who seek to return him to slavery, seeks refuge in Pelagia's house, where Wulf and Smid protect him. Meanwhile, Arsenius, having learned of Philammon's whereabouts, confronts him and reveals that he brought him from Athens, and that Philammon has a sister who was last seen with an ancient Jewess, possibly Miriam. Pelagia, riding through the streets, is accosted by an old monk who weeps for her soul, but she dismisses him. Arsenius finds Philammon outside the Museum and they have a tense reunion, with Philammon defending his association with Hypatia.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Disillusionment
Philammon's flight from the monks and his encounter with the world of Alexandria shatter his earlier innocence, as he learns of his hidden past and the complexities of his relationships.
Religious Conflict
The clash between the monks and the Prefect, as well as the tension between Christian and pagan influences, highlights the deep religious divisions in Alexandria.
Hypocrisy of Institutions
The monks' attempt to kidnap Philammon under the guise of religious authority, and Peter's manipulation of the law, expose the hypocrisy within the Christian institution.
Characters to notice
- Philammon
Flees from the monks and takes refuge with Wulf and Smid; learns from Arsenius that he has a sister and that Arsenius brought him from Athens.
- Arsenius
Reveals to Philammon that he brought him from Athens and that he has a sister; seeks to protect Philammon from the influence of Hypatia.
- Pelagia
Rides through the streets, encounters an old monk who weeps for her soul, but she dismisses him; her house provides refuge for Philammon.
- Wulf
Protects Philammon from the pursuing monks, using his whip to drive them away.
- Smid
Assists Wulf in protecting Philammon and welcomes him as a guest.
- Orestes
Intervenes to protect Philammon from the monks, but is unable to fully help him; later attempts to drive away but is blocked by the mob.
- Peter
Attempts to reclaim Philammon as a slave, but is thwarted by Orestes and later by Wulf.
- Miriam
Mentioned as the possible guardian of Philammon's sister; her whereabouts are unknown.
Key passages
“I am a freeborn Athenian, whom these monks wish to kidnap back into slavery! I claim your protection!”
Philammon appeals to Orestes for help, asserting his freedom and accusing the monks of trying to enslave him.
Philammon's desperate plea for protection from the monks.
“What do you mean, you villains, by attempting to kidnap free men? Is it not enough for you to lock up every mad girl whom you can dupe, but you must—”
Orestes rebukes the monks for their aggressive behavior, accusing them of imprisoning innocent people.
Orestes criticizes the monks' actions, showing his opposition to their methods.
“Save me from those wretches!”
Philammon begs Wulf and Smid for protection from the pursuing monks.
Philammon seeks refuge with the Goths.
“And how can I help weeping, when I see anything as beautiful as you are destined to the flames of hell forever?”
The old monk expresses his sorrow that Pelagia's beauty will lead her to damnation.
The monk's warning to Pelagia about her sinful life.
“I have a sister!”
Philammon exclaims in shock upon learning that he has a sister, a revelation that fills him with urgency.
Philammon's emotional reaction to the news of his sister.
