Marius the Epicurean · Question
How does Marius the Epicurean develop the theme of The Transition from Paganism to Christianity?
Answer
Marius the Epicurean by Walter Pater develops The Transition from Paganism to Christianity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Marius's journey contrasts the fading, ritualistic 'religion of Numa' with the emerging Christian faith, examining how Christianity offers new hope, moral purpose, and a transformative sense of community and charity that surpasses pagan traditions.
The chapter depicts the lingering 'religion of Numa' as a survival of older paganism, set against the eventual triumph of Christianity.
The chapter contrasts the early 'religion of the villa' (associated with Christian or pious sentiment) with the rival 'religion' of sensuous paganism represented by Flavian and the worldly life of Pisa.
The story's pagan gods and rituals (e.g., worship of Venus, oracles of Apollo) contrast with emerging Christian sensibilities, highlighting the cultural and religious transition of the era.
Evidence in the book
- The Religion of Numa
The chapter depicts the lingering 'religion of Numa' as a survival of older paganism, set against the eventual triumph of Christianity.
- IV: The Tree of Knowledge
The chapter contrasts the early 'religion of the villa' (associated with Christian or pious sentiment) with the rival 'religion' of sensuous paganism represented by Flavian and the worldly life of Pisa.
- The Golden Book
The story's pagan gods and rituals (e.g., worship of Venus, oracles of Apollo) contrast with emerging Christian sensibilities, highlighting the cultural and religious transition of the era.
- Euphuism
The description of the Isis procession and the pagan mythological references highlight the pagan context, while Marius's ideal of love and hiddenness hints at themes that would later be central to Christian thought.
- XI: “The Most Religious City in the World”
The chapter contrasts the elaborate pagan rituals and polytheistic devotion of Rome with the emerging Christian sensibility, exemplified by Cornelius's rejection of idolatry.
- XIII: The "Mistress and Mother" of Palaces
Aurelius is both a polytheist pontifex and a philosopher with a saintly halo, blending pagan ritual with a quasi-divine prestige that anticipates later Christian notions of sanctity.
- Manly Amusement
The religious character of the pagan spectacles and the critique of their cruelty foreshadow the moral sensibilities that Christianity would later champion.
- XX: Two Curious Houses
The chapter explores pagan philosophical and mystical ideas (Platonic Idealism, animism) against Marius's yearning for transcendence in a 'hard world.'
