The Secret History · Question
How does The Secret History develop the theme of Moral Decadence?
Answer
The Secret History by Procopius develops Moral Decadence across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Theodora's early life as a courtesan and her later depraved actions, along with the general licentiousness of the court, illustrate a theme of moral decay at the highest levels of society.
The open adultery, lack of shame, and brutal murders within the household of a great general highlight the moral decay among the elite of the Byzantine court.
Belisarius, a great conqueror, is reduced to licking his wife's feet and declaring himself her slave, illustrating the corruption of personal honor.
Belisarius's subservience to Antonina, his broken oaths, and the public mockery highlight moral decay among the elite.
Evidence in the book
- How the Great General Belisarius Was Hoodwinked by His Wife, Whose Lover Became a Monk
The open adultery, lack of shame, and brutal murders within the household of a great general highlight the moral decay among the elite of the Byzantine court.
- How Theodora, Revenging Her Dear Antonina, Humiliated the Conqueror of Africa and Italy
Belisarius, a great conqueror, is reduced to licking his wife's feet and declaring himself her slave, illustrating the corruption of personal honor.
- How Theodora Tricked the General’s Daughter Into a Liaison with the Empress’s Nephew, and Belisarius Became a Public Laughing Stock
Belisarius's subservience to Antonina, his broken oaths, and the public mockery highlight moral decay among the elite.
- IX: And How Theodora, Most Depraved of All Courtesans, Won His Love
Theodora's shameless behavior on and off the stage exemplifies the moral decay of the era.
- X: How Justinian Created a New Law Permitting Him to Marry a Courtesan on Her Promise to Repent Her Past; and the Truth About the Apparent Quarrels of a Happy Pair
The marriage of a senator to a courtesan, and the shamelessness of the imperial couple, exemplify moral decay.
- XII: Proving That Justinian and Theodora Were Actually Fiends in Human Form
The chapter portrays Justinian and Theodora as demonic entities, indulging in greed, lust, and supernatural corruption, reflecting moral decay.
