The Unforeseen Ramifications of Curiosity Anonymous College

Throughout both Roman and Greek ancient literature, well-renowned writers ranging from Aeschylus to Thucydides have demonstrated the major character flaws of mortals and the effects of their failings on their life and well-being. Although the outcome of each protagonist is different in each of these works, the dangers of curiosity is highlighted in the stories of Lucius and Pentheus, who allow their eagerness to overcome them. Drawn to the mystery of magic, Lucius follows his desires blindly in The Golden Ass, exploring dark corners most others would avoid. In the Bacchae, there are no tales of magic; instead, Pentheus is engrossed in his interest for the city’s crazed women and the god who made them that way, Dionysus. With deeper analysis, however, the similarities between Lucius and Pentheus’ curiosity begins to dim, revealing that the most important aspect of these comparable texts is precisely in how they differ: their consequences.

Displayed through dialogue and the action of the narrative, the inquisitiveness of both characters takes center stage, exposing their true nature for all to see. From the beginning, Apuleius illustrates Lucius’ naiveté as he begs to hear new stories and see unexplainable things, “thirsting as...