Reaction Hypatia (novel)

pelagia , philammon arthur hacker

the novel notably inspired painting hypatia charles william mitchell (1885, laing art gallery, newcastle) depicts hypatia, naked, cowering against altar, facing (unseen) murderers. painting inspired novel arthur hacker s pelagia , philammon (1887, walker art gallery, liverpool) depicts naked pelagia dying, watched cloaked, hooded philammon.

in kingsley s era criticism of novel directed @ negative portrayal of church in alexandria , of cyril in particular. aspect of novel, alleged indecency, thwarted attempt bestow honorary degree @ oxford university on kingsley in 1863. in addition, readers disappointed kingsley did not go further in villainising creeds other christianity. anti-catholic theme of novel naturally drew criticism catholic churchmen, , among literary responses novels cardinal nicholas wiseman, fabiola (1854), , john henry newman, callista (1855).

in modern era criticism of novel has focused on anti-semitism racial prejudice. book has been described ferociously racist . 1 review describes christian apologia, [with] religious , ethnic bigotry in form of anti-semitism , anti-catholicism , nevertheless concludes unexpectedly involving novel, , worth searching out. review criticises novel being difficult follow myriad of unnecessary characters , convoluted esoteric arguments , concludes hypatia stands excellent example of fiction written specific purpose, impeccably researched novel remains true history.