# Scene V explained — Plays

> Chapter companion for Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim.

## What happens

Julian the Apostate confronts John and Paul, who refuse to serve him due to his renunciation of Christianity. They praise the Christian emperors Constantine, Constantius, and Constance, and denounce Julian's idolatry. Julian offers them high office but they reject him, and he gives them ten days to repent or face punishment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Christian vs. Pagan Conflict

John and Paul directly oppose Julian's paganism, refusing to serve him and praising Christian emperors.

### Martyrdom and Suffering

John and Paul choose potential martyrdom over serving a pagan emperor, accepting the ten-day grace period for prayer.

## Character check-ins

### Julian the Apostate

Confronts John and Paul, offering them high office if they renounce their faith.

### John

Refuses to serve Julian, praises Christian emperors, and accepts the respite for prayer.

### Paul

Boldly refuses Julian's offer, denounces his idolatry, and insists on immediate action.

### Constantine

Mentioned as a Christian emperor whom John and Paul served.

## Key lines

> We will not serve you.

Paul and John refuse to serve Julian.

_Direct defiance of Julian's authority._

> You are not made of the same stuff.

John says Julian lacks the virtue of the Christian emperors.

_Contrast between Julian and his predecessors._

> You cut us short with this boast to avoid hearing the righteous praised.

John accuses Julian of interrupting to avoid praise of Christian rulers.

_Julian's defensiveness about his pagan turn._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/part-ii-scene-v
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters