Daphnis and Chloe

Gods and minor deities appear throughout Daphnis and Chloe. How significant is their role in the novel’s events? Is the status of the gods reflective of wider culture in ancient Greece? Support your answer with references to the text.

Sexual desire is a recurring theme in Daphnis and Chloe. How does Longus present male and female desire? What are the similarities and what are the differences?

The reader only learns about the activities and intentions of the god of love (Eros) from other characters, but he never appears in person in the story. What effect does the god of love’s absence have on the story?

Consider the presentation of the town and countryside within the novel. Does Longus tie moral values to these settings? Is one environment presented more favorably than the other? What is the relationship between the two settings?

A key element of the novel is the protagonists’ transition from childhood into adulthood. Choose either Daphnis or Chloe as a case study. How does their character develop over the course of the novel?

Daphnis and Chloe are both raised by adoptive families and then reunited with their birth parents. How does Longus present the concepts of family, class, and belonging?

Consider the role of nature and Longus’s use of pastoral tropes throughout Daphnis and Chloe. What pastoral elements does the novel contain? How do these tropes function in terms of plot, setting, characterization, and themes?

Panpipes are a recurring symbol in Daphnis and Chloe. Explain their significance within the novel, quoting from the text to strengthen your response.