Phillip Phanhthourath
Donna Tartt’s The Secret History explores the themes of ambition and obsession
through the character of Richard, who becomes fixated on joining the elite group of Julian
Morrow’s Greek students. The novel’s language and structure contribute to a morbid tone that
reflects on the motivations and personalities of the characters and adds to the grim
atmosphere of the book. By examining a specific passage in the novel, we can gain a deeper
understanding of Richard’s obsession and its disastrous consequences.
In the passage where Richard first becomes interested in Julian’s Greek students, Tartt
uses precise structure to convey the characters’ personalities and motivations. Bunny’s
suggestion that Richard should “Go see him again, why don’t you” reveals his own desire to be
part of the group and foreshadows Richard’s eventual obsession (Tartt 22). The hasty chatter
between the characters visually interpreted by the readers highlights Richard’s eagerness to
join the elite group, while also emphasizing the importance of social status in the novel.
Tartt also uses vivid imagery and descriptions to give the reader a greater insight into
the personalities of Julian and his students. The diction used to describe them, such as
“imposing”, “coolness”, “cruel”, “mannered”, “strange”, and “cold,” adds to a certain negative
tone that reflects on the characters and their relationship with each other and Julian (Tartt 32).
These adjectives not only establish the intimidating mood that readers feel when encountering
Julian and his students but also highlight Richard’s fascination with the ancient mindset, which
becomes a significant part of his character development.
Furthermore, this passage contributes to Richard’s downfall by foreshadowing the
disastrous consequences of his obsession. The sense of power and confidence conveyed by
Julian and his students suggests that they are manipulative, which becomes evident when
Richard is told to drop all his other courses and commit to Julian’s class (Tartt 75). By joining the
group, Richard sacrifices his entire college experience, his relationships with his other friends,
and ultimately his morality, as seen in the murder of Bunny. Thus, this passage offers new
avenues for reading the text by highlighting the complex interplay between obsession, social
status, and morality in the novel.
In conclusion, Tartt’s use of language and structure in The Secret History highlights the
themes of ambition and obsession that drive Richard’s character and contribute to the novel’s
overall tone. By examining a specific passage, we can gain a deeper understanding of Richard’s
obsession and its disastrous consequences, and how this interpretation opens new avenues for
reading the text.