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The Power of Cults in Donna Tartt's Novel "The Secret History"
The Power of Cults in Donna Tartt's Novel "The Secret History"

Day and Time:
Wednesday: 10:00-10:50am
Description:
This essay examines the concept of cults within Donna Tartt’s novel The Secret History and how the charismatic professor Julian Morrow manipulated his students to follow the archaic lifestyles of ancient Greece. In Tartt’s novel, the characters enrolled in the classics major are extremely isolated from the rest of the campus, leading them to devote most of their time in their studies of ancient language and culture. Their devotion to their studies is influenced by their professor who ultimately encourages them to perform a Bacchanal, a ceremony full of debauched revelry. I will begin by addressing what constitutes a cult and the essential components of these organized groups. I will then outline the unusual manner in which Julian recruited and controlled his students. By examining Julian’s influence as a cult leader, the reader can understand how dangerous unquestioning obedience can be and better understand the complicated motives that belong to each character.
Faculty Sponsor:
Paul Thifault
Location:
Campus Union (Dodge A&B Rooms)
Oral Presentation Type:
Conference Paper
Presentation Type:
Oral Presentation
Presenters:
Amelia DeRosa
Session:
Oral Presentations - Session 1
Year:
Third Year
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