The Golden Ass · Chapter
XXV explained
After supper, the thieves discuss the fate of the captive gentlewoman and the ass.
What happens
After supper, the thieves discuss the fate of the captive gentlewoman and the ass. One thief argues against killing them, proposing instead to sell the virgin to bawdy merchants for profit. The others agree, and the maiden is unbound. She smiles at the mention of brothels, which leads Lucius (as the ass) to reflect bitterly on the fickleness of women.
Themes in this chapter
Folly and Wisdom
The thieves' deliberation contrasts the folly of vengeance with the 'wisdom' of profit, while Lucius's judgment of women's nature reveals his own folly.
Deception and Appearance
The maiden's joyful smile at the prospect of being sold to a brothel belies her earlier appearance as a virtuous bride, highlighting the deceptive nature of women as perceived by Lucius.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“I am not so much a beast, or so rash a fellow to drive you quite from your purpose, but my conscience will not suffer me to conceal anything that toucheth your profit, since I am as careful for you, howbeit if my counsel do displease you, you may at your liberty proceed in your enterprise.”
The thief claims he is not trying to dissuade them entirely, but his conscience compels him to speak for their profit; if they disagree, they may ignore him.
The thief presents himself as a rational advisor, prioritizing gain over vengeance.
“Then began I to deem evil of the generation of women, when as I saw the maiden (who was appointed to be married to a young gentleman, and who so greatly desired the same) was now delighted with the talk of a wicked brothel house, and other things dishonest.”
Lucius began to think badly of all women when he saw the maiden, who had been eager to marry a young man, now happy at the mention of a brothel.
Lucius's misogynistic generalization reflects his disillusionment and the theme of deception.