Keywords
Erubescence
Galen
Achilles Tatius
Greek novel
How to Cite
Abstract
Approaching erubescence in Longus’ and Achilles Tatius’ novels as physiological processes, combined with a close reading of Galen and Aristotle, provides a better understanding of what it meant to have one’s skin turn red in the Greek novels. The blusher’s awareness in social situations is expressed through the concept of a classic blush, closely tied to Konstan’s notion of shame, as seen in Achilles Tatius. Where this awareness is absent, as in Longus, erubescence functions as an involuntary physiological response, reflecting the body’s reaction to psychological processes as a natural instinct. Examining ancient scientific terminology of erubescence, re-contextualises these cases, allowing for a deeper understanding of their role in their respective narratives. In Longus, erubescence reflects how characters’ bodies are affected by their emotional experience, while in Achilles Tatius, it highlights social rules in morally ambiguous settings. Achilles adds irony and realism by focusing on characters’ awareness of their faux pas, whereas Longus inverts this awareness to emphasise the role of physis, building on Zeitlin’s seminal work
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