Chariton's Chaereas and Callirhoe Books 1-4 Study Questions

Be prepared to identify the following:  Chaereas, Callirhoe, Hermocrates, Ariston, Theron, Dionysius, Phocas, Plangon, Polycharmus, Mithridates, Pharnaces

Book 1

1. When and where is the novel set? How is it connected with historical events?

2. What are Callirhoe's main attributes? How does she affect the world around her?

3. Describe Chaereas.

4. How do Chaereas and Callirhoe meet? How does the meeting affect them? How does it affect their community?

5. What are the symptoms of love?

6. What is the main cause of the lovers' misfortunes?

7. What is unusual about the trial of Chaereas?

Book 2

1. What kind of a man is Dionysius?

2. What is the importance of Aphrodite?

3. What is the effect of the references to and quotations of Homer?

4. What is the conflict that tests Callirhoe's loyalty to Chaereas?

5. Why does she decide to marry Dionysius?

Book 3

1. How are slaves and servants characterized in this novel?

2. What is the role of Fortune?

3. Identify some theatrical elements in the novel.

4. How do dreams influence the action?

Book 4

1. In what ways are the adventures of Chaereas parallel to Callirhoe's?

2. What sort of marriage do Callirhoe and Dionysius have?

3. Why is Dionysius afraid at the close of Book 4?

4. What role does rhetoric have in the novel?