Trimalchio From The Satyricon Analysis

The Banquet of Trimalchio from Petronius’s famous book “Satyricon”, is a very important event that takes place in the story even though it is considered not to have any real connection with the overall plot. A very wealthy freedman named Trimalchio hosts a dinner party for many guests, where he shows off his luxury items and foods. During the banquet, it is clear to see that Trimalchio is not interested with his quests or knows them very well, he only had the banquet to show off his wealth. We also learn that Trimalchio is obsessed with death and gods, and has very little education and culture to offer. After reading ‘The Banquet of Trimalchio from the Satyricon”, it is clear to see that Trimalchio uses different methods to distinguish himself from others by constantly commanding his slaves to do something, whether it be to bring him something or clean up a mess. Trimalchio likes to show off his power that he has over his slaves and others by

For example, the guests were all wearing colorful jeweled gowns , with very fancy headpieces. They acted savagery as they were eating and listening to Trimalchio talk, and laughed no matter what he said. Trimalchio 's banquet is described to portray Nero’s court, and the table talk is based on the authors personally observations of provincial societies. The events that happen before the banquet shows the main character Encolpius trying to win back Giton from his former roommate Ascyltus. Encolpius is heartbroken that Giton picks Ascyltus over him, and was going to commit suicide but an earthquake strikes and prevents him from doing so. After this scene, Encolpius is in an art museum where he meets a poet named Eumolpus. Eumolpus takes Encolpius to Trimalchio’s banquet, where the the bizarre feast takes place. The scenes after the banquet show Encolpius and Ascyltus undertaking a series of