The Mask Of Apollo - Review Essay -- essays research papers

"The Mask of Apollo" revolves around the adventures of Nikeratos, a young pseud who travels the countryside of ancient Greece and Sicily while performing in various plays. In superstar play, Kadmos by Sophokles the Younger, Nikeratos is required to wear an old mask of Apollo as set about of his costume. The mask is fifty years old and is rumored to bring good fortune. Nikeratos is impress with the mask and comes to believe that it possesses special powers. He begins to make reverent gestures toward it as when he places a bay-sprig above it and sprinkles drops of wine on the foot in front of it. During one performance of the play a contest breaks out with a neighboring town. As the actors continue performing, Nikeratos touches the mask for luck and promises to make an offering to Apollo if the god stand bys him get through the scene. The superstitious township spotting Nikeratos in the mask begin calling on Apollo to help them win the battle. In the end they ar succ essful in their fight. From this nous forward Nikeratos carries the mask with him and defers to it when he needs guidance. Accounts of Greek history are dispersed throughout the book with the politics of the ancient Greek being of Syracuse playing a major role in the story. Nikeratos attempts to handle politics as he sees himself as an actor who is separate from the government activity scene. Through his travels in various plays however, he finds himself being pulled into the civil ferment by his relationships with the p...