# Family, Domestic Affection, and Chastity in Marius the Epicurean

> Theme guide for Marius the Epicurean by Walter Pater.

The book idealizes family life, portraying it as a source of deep emotional bonds and moral strength, particularly through the Christian emphasis on chastity, the care of children, and the sanctity of the household, as exemplified by Cecilia's villa.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Religion of Numa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-i-i-the-religion-of-numa): Marius's religious observances are deeply tied to family, home, and the veneration of ancestors, emphasizing domestic piety and continuity.
- [II: White-Nights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-i-ii-white-nights): Marius's mother's sustained grief and devotion to her husband's memory, along with the family's ceremonial traditions, highlight the centrality of domestic piety and affection.
- [Change of Air](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-i-iii-change-of-air): Marius's remorse over a childish slight to his mother at their last meeting underscores the value he places on familial love and the sanctity of home.
- [XIII: The "Mistress and Mother" of Palaces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii-the-mistress-and-mother-of-palaces): The chapter depicts the imperial family as a domestic scene with children, birthday gifts, and Aurelius's tender references to his children's illnesses, contrasting with rumors of adultery.
- [II: The Church in Cecilia’s House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iv-ii-the-church-in-cecilia-s-house): The chapter emphasizes the sanctity of family life, with the catacombs connected to the house as a bold assertion of family instinct, reinforced by the Holy Family.
- [XXII: "The Minor Peace of the Church"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iv-xxii-the-minor-peace-of-the-church): The chapter highlights the Christian emphasis on chastity, family affections, and the sanctity of domestic life, contrasting with earlier Roman and pagan ideals.
- [XXVII: The Triumph of Marcus Aurelius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iv-xxvii-the-triumph-of-marcus-aurelius): The memory of Faustina's ambiguous domestic life and the orphan foundation named after her contrast with the idealized family of Antoninus Pius.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/themes/family_and_domestic_affection
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/themes