Daphnis And Chloe

Daphis and Chloe is the last of the 5 Greek 'romances' this blog has covered, this one from the Penguin Classics collection of Greek Fiction. Unique in that nearly all of the story transpires on the beautiful island of Lesbos and its pastoral setting, it tells of the budding romance of Daphnis and Chloe. Both exposed at birth, suckled by animals, and raised by "rustics" before their noble birth is revealed, their link is favored by Pan, the Nymphs, and Eros (Love). One sees similarities with the other Greek romances in the appearances of pirates, an attempted rape, intrigues between rival suitors, the virtue of chastity, and references to earlier ancient Greek myths. Nevertheless, Longus's novel features more characterization and as an idyll to pastoral romance is more evocative of its setting (the landscape, flora, and fauna).

However, since the two protagonists of this story are, even at the conclusion of the final book, beautiful "rustics," Longus's tale reveals something of the urban-rural divide in the ancient world. "Rustics" have simple pleasures, are lacking in the refinement and mores of the townsfolk of Mytilene and Methymna. For instance, residents of the latter invade the peaceful countryside for their pleasure and amusement, and abuse countryfolk such as Daphnis. Gnathon's pederasty is contrasted with the "natural" sexual expression of goats and sheep, perhaps reflecting another difference between city slickers and country folk. Moreover, Daphnis's initiation in the erotic arts begins through a married woman from the city, suggestive of another difference between city and countryside that reflects poorly on the morality of the former. Daphnis's adoptive parents are themselves the slaves of Dionysophanes, owner of the estate they toil on, and if it weren't for the tokens they found with an infant Daphnis, they would have been forced to give their son as a slave for the pleasure of Gnathon.

While there is nothing in the novel to suggest a protest against unequal land distribution or the institution of slavery, one detects there to be an inkling of the dangers of a disconnect between the city and its surrounding countryside. The city-state and its rural attachments must exist in a symbiotic relationship to ensure their survival, and the continued attachment of both Daphnis and Chloe to what becomes their estate (and a wedding celebration in the rustic manner) may signify the importance of the urban elites not distancing themselves too much from the "simple" peasants and agricultural laborers. Or, perhaps, this is just reading too much into an enchanting coming-of-age romance.