# Book II explained — The Golden Ass

> Chapter companion for The Golden Ass by Apuleius.

## What happens

Lucius continues his stay in Hypata, enjoying the hospitality of Milo and the attentions of the servant Fotis. He encounters his cousin Byrrhena, who warns him about the sorceress Pamphiles. Lucius becomes increasingly obsessed with magic and witnesses Fotis's involvement in Pamphiles's witchcraft. The chapter culminates in a festival of laughter and a mock trial where Lucius is accused of murder, only to discover the 'corpses' are inflated bladders.

## Themes in this chapter

### Magic and Sorcery

Lucius's fascination with Pamphiles's witchcraft drives the plot, as he seeks to witness her transformations and learn the art.

### Deception and Appearance

The mock trial and the bladders episode highlight the theme of things not being as they seem, a central motif in the novel.

## Character check-ins

### Lucius

The protagonist, eager to learn about magic and increasingly infatuated with Fotis.

### Fotis

Milo's servant, who becomes Lucius's lover and confidante in matters of witchcraft.

### Milo

Lucius's host in Hypata, a usurer who is suspicious of his guest's intentions.

### Byrrhena

Lucius's wealthy cousin, who warns him about the dangers of Pamphiles's magic.

### Pamphiles

Milo's wife, a powerful sorceress whose magical practices Lucius seeks to observe.

## Key lines

> But I, being desirous to see some strange and marvellous thing, and thinking with myself that I was in the place where all such things were to be done, began to search and enquire of the servants of the house, what news?

Lucius, eager to witness magic, questions the household servants about any strange occurrences.

_Shows Lucius's insatiable curiosity about the supernatural._

> And when I had well considered the beauty of Fotis, I began to repent me of my words spoken to Byrrhena, and to be more enamoured on her than ever I was before.

Lucius regrets his earlier dismissal of Fotis's charms and becomes even more infatuated with her.

_Highlights Lucius's shifting affections and his susceptibility to desire._

> Then I, being thus accused, began to weep very sore, and to lament my miserable fortune, saying, That I could not deny but that I killed the three men, yet I had a just cause so to do.

Lucius, in the mock trial, tearfully confesses to the murders, claiming self-defense.

_Illustrates the theme of deception and the absurdity of the situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_ass_se/chapters/book-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_ass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_ass_se/chapters