Apuleius, The Golden Ass, and the Story of Thelyphron

About the lecture

In this lecture we provide an introduction to Apuleius (c. 125-90), his Metamorphoses (usually referred to as The Golden Ass), and the story of Thelyphron that appears in Book 2 of The Golden Ass. As we move through the lecture, we consider: (i) the figure of Apuleius himself, his interest in philosophy and natural history, and his trial for witchcraft in c. 158/9; (ii) the basic story of The Golden Ass – the transformation of the main character, Lucius, into a donkey, and his adventures around Greece; and (iii) the story of Thelyphron, which Lucius hears at a dinner party at his aunt’s house.

About the lecturer

Dr Regine May is Associate Professor in Latin Language and Literature at the University of Leeds, with a special interest in ancient drama and the Latin novel. Her most recent publications include a book on Apuleius' use of Roman comedy, tragedy and mime, Apuleius and Drama: The Ass on Stage (2006), and a commentary on Apuleius Metamorphoses Book 1: With an Introduction, Translation and Notes(2013).