Love and Desire (motif)
Anaxandra goes through a traumatic self-discovery journey, battling with her love for Menelaus while managing her role as Helen's lookalike. Her need for independence and a sense of belonging drives her to seek a place in the world where she may truly love and be loved. Even in the middle of the mistaken identification, Menelaus' persistent love for Helen emphasizes the power and transformational nature of true affection. However, the motif also delves into the complexity of desire as characters' desires drive them to make rash and often destructive decisions. Paris's yearning for Helen drives him to kidnap her, precipitating the disastrous Trojan War. The motif delves into the consequences of pursuing personal desires without considering the broader implications and it raises questions about the boundaries between genuine love and selfish obsession.
The Trojan Horse (symbol)
The Trojan Horse is a significant image in the story that represents duplicity and betrayal. The Greeks created the wooden horse as a ruse to gain entry to the walled city of Troy. It appears innocent on the outside but inside is hidden Greek warriors preparing to assault. The Trojan Horse represents the danger of believing appearances as it acts as a reminder that even seemingly harmless things can conceal deceit and destruction.
The Golden Apple (symbol)
The golden apple, provided by Eris, the goddess of discord, is important in the myth because it represents the seeds of discord and chaos. When the golden apple is inscribed with the words "For the Fairest" and delivered to the gods Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, it sparks a furious rivalry among them. This rivalry eventually sparks the events that lead to the Trojan War. The golden apple represents the disruptive nature of competitiveness and jealousy, emphasizing the potentially disastrous implications of such arguments.
Loyalty and Betrayal (motif)
Characters such as Anaxandra and Menelaus demonstrate everlasting commitment to their loved ones, demonstrating loyalty as a virtue and a source of strength. Anaxandra's dedication to defending people she cares about as well as Menelaus's dogged pursuit of his wife, illustrate their devotion. However, the motif also delves into the difficulties of loyalty as characters are divided between competing allegiances. Betrayal, on the other hand, is shown to have far-reaching ramifications as evidenced in Paris' betrayal of Menelaus by stealing Helen which precipitates the Trojan War. The motif dives into people's moral quandaries, emphasizing the consequences of violating trust and the significant influence it has on relationships and even nations.
The Shield (symbol)
The shield is a symbol of protection and defense. Anaxandra is given a shield as a gift and it becomes a physical representation of her strength and tenacity. Anaxandra confronts various hurdles and perils throughout the novel and the shield serves as a concrete reminder of her will to conquer obstacles. It represents her ability to defend herself and those she cares about, marking her growth and metamorphosis from a fragile girl to a formidable young woman.
Power and Control (motif)
The story digs into the repercussions and obligations that come with holding power, from political influence to physical dominance. Characters such as Agamemnon and Menelaus attempt to exert their authority and control over others, frequently motivated by a desire for power and the expansion of their influence. As characters resort to deception, compulsion, and violence to keep control, the motif raises fundamental considerations regarding power abuse. At the same time, the motif emphasizes the possibility of resisting repressive power structures. Anaxandra for example, shows perseverance and resourcefulness in managing the power dynamics around her, seeking methods to assert agency and question the current quo.
