Heliodorus' An Ethiopian Story Books 6-10 Study Questions

Be prepared to identify: Mitranes, Oroondates, Arsake, Kybele, Achaimenes, Bagoas, Hydaspes, Persinna, Sisimithres.

Book 6

1. What scene do Kalasiris and Charikleia find at Bessa?

2. What does Charikleia witness by moonlight on the battlefield at Bessa? What is Kalasiris' reaction?

3. Does the old woman find out what she wants to know? What information is given?

Book 7

1. Where are Kalasiris and Charikleia headed to now?

2. What led to Thyamis' exile from Memphis?

3. What is Arsake's command and what are her motives?

4. What allusions to Greek literature can be seen in the scenes outside the walls of Memphis?

5. Describe the role and character of Kybele.

6. What is preoccupying Oroondates during this time?

Book 8

1. What is Arsake's political philosophy?

2. How does Theagenes respond to being tortured?

3. Why does Charikleia plead guilty to false murder charges?

4. How do different people interpret Charikleia's survival of the fire?

5. How is Theagenes' dream fulfilled?

Book 9

1. What is Hydaspes' relationship to Charikleia?

2. What genre of prose has the greatest influence on Book 9?

3. What sort of man is Hydaspes?

4. How does Heliodorus characterize the Egyptians, the Persians and the Ethiopians?

5. Find examples of an interest in exotic customs.

6. Why, on p. 555, does Charikleia hesitate to reveal her identity to her father?

Book 10

1. Who are the gymnosophists?

2. How does Persinna react to the sight of Charikleia?

3. What qualification is required for Charikleia to be a sacrificial victim?

4. What values are upheld by Charikleia's 'trial'?

5. What qualities in Theagenes win admiration from the Ethiopians?

6. How is Hydaspes finally convinced that Charikleia is his daughter?

7. How is the law of human sacrifice changed?