Apuleius the Golden Ass Books 1-4 Study Questions

Be prepared to identify: Lucius, Aristomenes, Milo, Pamphile, Byrrhena, Photis, Thelyphron, Charite, Cupid, Psyche

Book 1

1. What expectations does the prologue (1.1) set up for the reader?

2. Who is the narrator of the prologue?

3. What do we learn about Lucius from his early adventures?

4. What is the lesson to be learned from Aristomenes' story?

5. What is the role of food in this book? What other sorts of things do people put in their mouths?

Book 2

1. What is Thessaly famous for, according to Lucius?

2. What is the significance of the ekphrasis on the statue of Diana and Actaeon?

3. How are food, sex and magic related in this book?

4. Why does Diophanes become a laughing-stock?

5. What is the lesson to be learned from Thelyphron's story?

6. What heroic exploit does Lucius accomplish at the end of this book?

Book 3

1. What sort of narrator is Lucius as he relates his trial for murder?

2. What is the surprise outcome for Lucius and the readers?

3. How does Photis pay Lucius back for the trouble she has caused him?

4. Has Lucius learned anything from the stories he has heard?

5. Why does Pamphile change herself into an owl?

6. How does Lucius react to Pamphile's transformation?

7. Why is Lucius changed into an ass? What is the cure?

8. What happens to prevent Lucius from resorting to the cure?

Book 4

1. What is life like for Lucius in his first days as an ass?

2. What sorts of stories do the robbers tell each other in the cave?

3. What is the significance of the episode with the bear-skin?

4. How is Charite described?

5. What is Charite's story?

6. Who tells the story of Cupid and Psyche and why?

7. What kind of heroine is Psyche?

8. What is the role of Venus in this story?