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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>A long-time lurker writes, though I have posted
several times before in the past...</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I've been re-reading the first two Latro novels in
preparation for 'Soldier of Sidon', and have just finished 'Arete'. I remember
finding the ending confusing on first reading several years ago, and had hoped
it would be a bit clearer to me this time round, having read many posts in the
urth archives, and some Robert Graves and Herodotus. However, I still don't
really understand what happens, event-by-event so to speak (though much of
the rest of the events of the two books as much clearer this time round,
mainly thanks to past posts on this list).</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The point where I start to lose my way is Latro's
dream whilst Pindaros is reciting poetry for him (pp334 of the hardback). What
exactly happens here? Why does Polos say that he "wants to love" and "will love"
Pasicrates, who has treated him badly in the past? I believe Latro is cured of
his moroseness because Pasicrates is forced to forgive him, but I thought that
there was more to his depression than that - isn't it to do with Pharetra and
the whole betrayal thing (the manumission ceremony)?</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Is Anysia an aspect of Artemis? And is Elata on
Latro's side or not? I always thought that she was, but in the final pages it
seems like she turns against him. And what happens during and after the chariot
race? Latro loses the race deliberately, right? Yet Pausanius is still honoured
and allows Latro to leave? So many questions! As you can see, I'm really lost
here! I know there are some very knowledgeable people on this list, so I'm
hoping someone can take the time to clarify things for me a bit before I start
on 'Sidon'.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Tom</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>