Xenophon's An Ephesian Tale Study Questions

Be prepared to identify: Ephesus, Habrocomes, Anthia, Artemis, Apollo, Helius, Corymbus, Apsyrtus, Manto, Rhode, Leucon, Moeris, Lampon, Hippothous, Hyperanthes, Perilaus, Alexandria, Isis,  Kyno, Aegialeus.

1. What are the major similarities between this novel and Chariton's Chaereas and Callirhoe?

2. What are some important differences between the two novels?

Book 1

1. What kind of person is Habrocomes as the novel begins?

2. Where do the lovers first meet?

3. What causes them to fall in love? What effect does love have on them?

4. What causes them to marry?

5. What is the significance of the story depicted on the bed's tapestry?

6. Why do they go on a voyage?

7. Discuss the role of Corymbus.

Book 2

1. How does Manto try to satisfy her desire for Habrocomes? What is the result?

2. Why does Anthia come to live with a goatherd?

3. What does Hippothous plan to do with Anthia?

4. What is the result of Perilaus' intervention?

Book 3

1. What is Hippothous' story?

2. How does Anthia avoid marriage to Perilaus?

3. What adventure does she share with Chariton's Callirhoe?

4. How does Anthia avoid being molested by Psammis?

5. Why does Kyno accuse Habrocomes of murder?

Book 4

1. How is Habrocomes to be punished for the murder of Araxus?

2. How does he escape?

3. How is Anthia saved from going to India with Psammis?

4. How is she punished for the murder of Archialus?

Book 5

1. What is the story of the fisherman, Aigialeus?

2. How does Anthia preserve her chastity from Polyidus' advances?

3. How does she avoid prostitution?

4. What kind of a person is Hippothous?

5. Where and how are the lovers reunited?

6. Which gods preside over the events of the novel?