What is it about?

My article discusses the controversy surrounding the Isis-book, Book 11 of Apuleius' "Metamorphoses." Scholars are divided as to whether the book is meant as a sincere account of the author's conversion to the cult of Isis and Osiris or whether the intention is a satiric expose of the cult. I argue that the arguments against the sincerity of the religious message are unconvincing and that Apuleius attempts a propaganda piece favoring Isis and Osiris and still compatible with Platonism.

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Why is it important?

My article sees the Isis book as a religious document best compared with Jewish and Christian writings of the 2nd century c.e. and in particular, meant as a counterpoint to the Christian beliefs which were flooding North Africa at the time.

Perspectives

This paper reflects a lifetime of my reflections and writings on Apuleius' novel, and also my writings on Roman satire.

Warren Smith
University of New Mexico

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This page is a summary of: Humour and Satire in Book Eleven of The Golden Ass, August 2024, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004704695_006.
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