The Magic and Mystery of Isis in Apuleius' Metamorphoses

Abstract

The first time I read Apuleius' Metamorphoses I was struck by the oddness of the final book, as many people are on their initial encounter with this delightfully engaging but mysterious novel. My surprise, however, did not end there. As I delved into the various commentaries and critiques of the novel I discovered that my interpretation of Book 11, and indeed the entire work, was unusual. The following is my reading of the Metamorphoses. I offer an original contribution to the debate on the meaning of the work. This thesis explores the ramifications of my belief that Apuleius depicts Isis and the women who practise ars magica with so much in common that we must question the traditional readings of the Metamorphoses. I owe many thanks to all the members of the Classics Department of Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand. Without the nurturing environment fostered by these folk, my task would have been all the more arduous. Stephen Epstein, my supervisor, deserves to be singled out: his tireless efforts as editor have been a real help. Special thanks must also go to the other postgraduate students with whom I have had the pleasure of studying and sharing the highs and lows of university life.