Quo Vadis · Chapter
Chapter XIII explained
Vinicius and Petronius interrogate Chilo Chilonides about Lygia's disappearance.
What happens
Vinicius and Petronius interrogate Chilo Chilonides about Lygia's disappearance. Chilo deduces that Lygia and Pomponia worship a foreign god and recalls that Lygia once drew a fish on the sand, which he interprets as a significant symbol. Petronius is skeptical but amused, while Vinicius grows hopeful. Chilo, after leaving, muses on his cunning plan to exploit Vinicius's desperation for profit. The next morning, Vinicius returns to Petronius's house, anxious and without news. Petronius reveals that Chilo has arrived, and Eunice confirms his identity as a soothsayer. Chilo enters, and the scene ends with his grotesque appearance.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Redemption
The fish symbol drawn by Lygia hints at early Christian faith, and Chilo's investigation into the foreign god reflects the hidden nature of Christianity in pagan Rome.
Decadence and Excess
Petronius's luxurious lifestyle, the perfumed atrium, and Chilo's greedy scheming for wealth and slaves illustrate the moral decay of Roman society.
Love and Sacrifice
Vinicius's desperate search for Lygia and his willingness to pay heavily for her recovery demonstrate the power of love and personal sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Marcus Vinicius
Desperate and anxious to find Lygia, he eagerly awaits Chilo's help and has been searching the city in disguise.
- Petronius
Skeptical but amused by Chilo, he arranges the meeting and observes the proceedings with detached wit.
- Chilo Chilonides
A cunning and opportunistic Greek who claims to be a sage and soothsayer; he manipulates Vinicius's desperation for personal gain.
- Eunice
Petronius's devoted vestiplica, who arranged for Chilo's visit and is secretly in love with Petronius.
- Lygia
Mentioned as the object of Vinicius's search; her drawing of a fish is a key clue.
- Pomponia Graecina
Mentioned as a virtuous matron who worships a foreign god, linking her to Lygia's faith.
Key passages
“Vinicius?” broke in Petronius. “Have I not said the same, word for word, to thee?” “That is an honor for me,” said Chilo.”
Petronius interrupts, noting that he had already said the same thing to Vinicius, and Chilo flatters him by calling it an honor.
Chilo's flattery and Petronius's ironic detachment are highlighted.
“I saw once that Lygia made a fish on the sand.”
Vinicius recalls that Lygia once drew a fish in the sand, which Chilo seizes upon as a crucial clue.
The fish symbol is introduced as a key element in the search for Lygia and her Christian faith.
“I must go to Sporus,” said he to himself, “and pour out a little wine to Fortuna. I have found at last what I have been seeking this long time.”
Chilo decides to visit the wine-shop of Sporus to celebrate, believing he has finally found a wealthy patron to exploit.
Chilo's mercenary nature and his plan to profit from Vinicius's desperation are revealed.
“Thou hast arranged the folds well today, and I am satisfied with thee, Eunice.”
Petronius compliments Eunice on her skill in draping his toga, which fills her with joy.
Eunice's devotion to Petronius and her happiness at his approval are shown.