Ryann Fortner
Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is the origin of the Dark Academia community, which relishes in the study and aesthetic of Classical literature, languages, and culture. Most, if not all, media inspired by the novel contains influence from Classical writing and mythology. For example, the scene where Richard and the twins, Charles and Camilla, see ravens in the Hampden Forest is rich with Greek and Roman mythological influence, and it serves an important purpose as possible foreshadowing to one of the story’s greatest climaxes, Bunny’s death (Tartt 63-64). The driving plot of the narrative, the abundant imagery, and the characters are directly tied to the core theme of the genre, Classicism, and this fact creates, all at once, a mystical yet realistic and enthralling atmosphere for the story to unfold. It also develops a complex, layered novel that keeps audiences engaged throughout the narrative and long after the story is over, birthing a cultural phenomenon.
Firstly, the passage uses Classical literary tropes and themes to primarily, and somewhat obviously, foreshadow a larger event later in the narrative. The primary device Tartt uses is the common mythological practice of omen divination through the observation of animals, especially birds (Roman Pagan, “Omens – messenger animals”). In the text, Richard, Charles, and Camilla see three large ravens: “In a dead tree, split in two by lightning, were perched three huge, black birds…,” and Charles describes the sighting as an omen (63). In the ancient myths, ravens are signals of death and are associated with Mercury and Apollo who represent trickery and truth, respectively (Roman Pagan). Furthermore, gods would transform into or send animals to warn the human characters of a coming disaster or event. The above quotation also describes a tree split by lightning, which is a sudden and shocking event– like a murder. This could reference a possible split in the core group of Greek students due to Bunny, his death, or some other later event. By including details and layers such as these, Tartt invites her audience to reread the novel through a different lens, enhancing the story’s impact as it all plays out slowly in front of the characters.
Secondly, this passage also provides character exploration and explanation in a more passive method through symbolism, dialogue, and mythological roles. For example, Charles states that the ravens must be “an omen,” however, the only person who could interpret this message is Henry as Charles declares him “the ornithomantist” or “the bird-diviner” which relates Henry to the oracles of the Greek and Roman mythos (64). This instance, as well as other scenes in the book, support the fact that the other group members see Henry as a leader or all-knowing figure. In the context of the passage, Henry’s role could be the instigator of the murder plot or some other event with Richard and the twins as unknowing or unprepared, but albeit willing, participants: “Three of them for three of us,” as Charles observes at the sight of the birds (63). The passage thus proves that the influence of Classicism is not solely tied to the plot, but to the characters and their motivations as well. As the plot advances, the characters are fitting more and more into a classical archetype and story arc that further deepens the storytelling at play. Because of these writing skills, the impact of these characters is so profound, still holding readers in a vice grip even after closing the back cover of the novel.
Overall, the core identity of the narrative, all plot devices, and the dimensionality of the characters are directly and intimately connected with the primary aesthetic of the Dark Academia genre, Classicism. The phenomenal depth and feel of the story spawned a new genre of literature, media, and social aesthetic. The familiar tropes from ancient mythology work to craft a realistic yet fantastical setting and story, as well as influence each character’s motivations and arc. While The Secret History and the Dark Academia movement are notorious for their use of classical characters, tropes, symbols, and genres, other contemporary and more diverse media also exploit classical influence to provide more depth and appeal for the stories or aesthetics being illustrated because of how impactful, resounding, and ultimately relatable the themes are to our seemingly contrasting, mundane lives.
