Rebecca Corral
Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is the epitome of Dark Academia, expounding on the dark themes related to this unique aesthetic through the relationships between the characters, especially during Richard’s integration into his Greek classmates’ group. From the beginning of Richard’s relationship with his classmates, he often felt isolated, waiting until the day he would be integrated into the group instead of being seen as an outsider. The group he so often observed was what “bewildered” him the most but nonetheless, he never knew what they were really thinking (Tartt 80). The chosen passage not only highlights Richard’s transition from being a classmate to a close friend, but also provides the reader with insight on the light and dark motifs present in the novel. This emphasizes the unbalanced dynamic threatening to cause destruction within the friend group.
True to the dark academia aesthetic, Richard’s classmates exemplify studious, conserved, and intellectual personas that are difficult to read. As a result, Richard doesn’t have much to go on to get to know them, only changing himself in hopes that he’ll be accepted by the group. It’s human nature to hide certain parts of yourself, believing that by doing so, it’ll be easier to integrate yourself amongst others. But, you only appear “enigmatic” to the point other individuals aren’t able to get to know you (80). This is exactly what Richard attempts to do, mirroring the secretive characteristic of Dark Academia much like his classmates. Later, he questions his motives as his actions have only distanced him from the group. He brings forth rhetorical questions such as “Why had I gone to such lengths to avoid them?” and “Why hadn’t I returned any of their invitations?” communicating that he is aware of his actions and no longer thinks that he had to go to such extreme measures to avoid them (80). His introduction to the group could have been simple, as they were as curious about him as he was about them. As much as he thought his classmates were “snubbing” him, they were in fact “only waiting, politely as maiden aunts, for [him] to make the next move” (80). This situation exhibits a little bit of situational irony as Richard could have never imagined that his classmates ever wondered about him but, there was no reason to go to “such lengths to avoid them,” as they were not what he originally perceived (80). With the lack of communication and feelings of isolation the passage expounds on, the readers have a sense of how the group dynamic really is. Although Richard’s classmates might not be as outlandish or different as first perceived, their character and mannerisms towards others hint at potential obstacles in their relationships.
This passage emphasizes the “process” in which Richard becomes a part of the group by including detailed imagery and metaphors. Over time, Richard becomes more comfortable with the routine of the group and, as a result, both parties are more familiar with each other. This goes as far as sharing their inner thoughts and obstacles within the group, which comes hand in hand with the metaphor, “the dark gaps between the streetlamps begin to grow smaller and smaller” (80). Now, as time passes and Richard tries to get to know each individual member, there are no longer dark gaps between them, but rather light providing guidance and knowledge of each other throughout the group. Nonetheless, the darkness portrayed through the characters, specifically Henry and Bunny, proves as an obstacle in the dynamic of the group. This makes it difficult for Richard to truly combine the essentially dark and light themes of the group. Additionally, it’s no secret how selective and rather secretive Professor Marrow’s students are, so when Richard is invited to the country house, it can be inferred that he is one step closer to truly being a part of the “posse.” The inclusion of the country house as the group’s “trump card” and “their fondest treasure” further supports that as Richard became more accepted by the group. They were willing to share something that they cherished deeply, a sign of trust and friendship to Richard (80).
The selected passage sheds light on the integrated Dark Academia elements in The Secret History, specifically the personalities of the Greek group and their interactions with Richard. Richard’s isolation into the “darkness” and the group’s reticent demeanor are not to be ignored as they are essential observations into the dynamic of the group and excellent foreshadowing of the complications of what’s to come.
