The Secret History

In the Prologue to The Secret History, Richard Papen reflects, “I suppose at one time in my life I might have had any number of stories, but now there is no other. This is the only story I will ever be able to tell” (ii). How do you interpret this reflection, and what is its significance in the greater context of the novel? Why does Richard choose to begin his narrative this way?

In the first chapter of The Secret History, Julian and his students discuss the philosophical belief that beauty is closely aligned with terror. This connection between beauty and terror reappears in many ways throughout the book. Highlight at least three instances in The Secret History wherein beauty and terror are aligned. Detail how the meaning of this concept changes (or remains constant) from the beginning to the end of the book.

Class is a prevalent theme in The Secret History, and different characters demonstrate conflicting ideas related to class based on their backgrounds, perceptions, aesthetics, and communication habits. Choose at least three prominent examples of ways different characters respond to class-related situations.