Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Secret History, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Human Capacity for Violence
Intellectual Pursuits and Reasonability
Guilt
Manipulation and Paranoia
Beauty and Terror
Class and Identity
Summary
Analysis
Richard gets ready for his lunch with Bunny but is concerned that his best clothes will make him too hot in the warm weather. When he enters the shared bathroom, he spots Judy Poovey, a fellow Californian. Judy tells Richard a story about a time when she was at a party and Camilla bumped into her. This incident led to a drunken fight in which Henry broke the collarbone and ribs of a tough kid name Spike Romney. Because of the fight, Judy doesn’t like Henry or Camilla. However, she is fond of Bunny and thinks he’s funny. After she finishes her story, Judy offers Richard a different jacket, which she stole from the Costume shop. Judy is a costume design major, so to her the jacket is no big deal, but Richard finds it surprisingly nice.
Judy’s story about Henry develops his character in an unexpected manner. Previously, Henry has come off as quiet and studious, but here he is explosive and violent. Throughout his first semester at Hampden, Richard hears a variety of stories about his fellow Greek students, which lead him to believe that they are hiding something from him. This is only the first example of many. Additionally, Judy’s attitude toward the Greek students demonstrates how detached they are from the rest of the student body.
Themes
When Bunny sees Richard, he immediately complements his jacket but tells him it’s not appropriate for the time of year. Nonetheless, they make their way to the restaurant where Bunny has put in a reservation. Bunny knows the restaurant well and even claims to be friends with the Maître d’, though he’s not in today. On the way to their table, Bunny makes Richard uncomfortable by loudly whispering, “Queers love to work in restaurants.” The waiter, who hears Bunny, angrily shows Richard and Bunny to their seats, though Bunny doesn’t seem to realize—or care—that he has caused offense.
Despite Richard’s efforts and Judy’s help, Bunny still notices that Richard doesn’t fit in. In addition, this passage is a turning point for Bunny’s character, who was previously wholly likeable. Now, his prejudices are starting to show, and they will only become more prominent as the novel proceeds. Also, Bunny’s lack of awareness for how loudly he speaks is a key character trait and one that will be important later on.
Themes
Bunny asks Richard how often he goes to The Polo, the nicest restaurant in town. Richard responds, “Not much,” despite the fact that he’s never heard of it. Bunny tells Richard that his father took him to The Polo for his first drink. Bunny also tells him a story about going to a place called the Oak Bar where he ran up the tab and then left without paying. Later, Bunny returned to the Oak Bar with his father and his old bill got added on to the new one. However, his father didn’t notice. After telling this story, Bunny sees the waiter on his way to their table and says, “Look, here comes Twinkletoes.”
Once again, Richard attempts to keep up appearances. Largely, he succeeds because Bunny is always happy to brag about himself. The story Bunny tells makes it clear that he faces few consequences for his bad behavior and provides insight into Mr. Corcoran’s poor parenting.
Themes
Bunny orders a gaudy drink and tells Richard that he first drank one while in Jamaica. Richard changes the subject and asks Bunny his thoughts on Henry. Bunny likes Henry, but says that he is hard to live with, primarily because he doesn’t like having fun. Instead, Henry spends his time studying; he knows at least seven languages and can read hieroglyphics. Bunny shocks Richard by telling him that Henry is from Missouri and that his father is probably some sort of construction tycoon. Bunny’s never met Henry’s father—Henry is quite secret about his home life—but he did see Henry’s mother once. She was attractive and clearly rich, though Bunny says the family is “new money.”
All of Richard’s friends regularly travel abroad—a luxury he did not have growing up. Although all the Greek students seem to come from wealth of some kind, it is clear that Henry’s family is by far the wealthiest, even though little is known about them. Interestingly, like Richard, Henry is secret about his background, perhaps because he is embarrassed by it for different reasons.
Themes
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Bunny shifts the conversation back to Richard by asking him what his father does. Richard responds with, “Oil,” which is technically true, but deliberately misleading. Wanting to change the subject, Richard asks how Henry came by his intelligence. Bunny tells Richard that Henry was in a bad accident when he was young that took him out of school for years. In that time, Henry read voraciously and never stopped. After this conversation, their waiter returns. When he leaves, Bunny once again uses a homophobic slur and says that gay people should be rounded up and burned at the stake. At this point, Richard realizes the extent of Bunny’s homophobia. He asks what Bunny thinks about Francis, suggesting he might be gay. Bunny dismisses the notion and moves the conversation back to Richard by asking if he has a girlfriend. This time, Richard tells the full truth and says no.
Many characters in The Secret History come from backgrounds which are never entirely fleshed out. In particular, Henry and Julian maintain an air of mystery throughout the novel, partially because so little is known about them before their arrival at Hampden. However, while the mystery of Henry deepens, Bunny continues to expose more of his personality, making him significantly less likable. Although it is not yet clear if Francis is gay, the possibility that he could be sets up trouble for his relationship with Bunny in the future.
Themes
Bunny tells Richard that he has a girlfriend who is an elementary-education major and is “a real girl.” He says that he prefers his girlfriend to someone like Camilla, who “lacks a mother’s firm hand.” Abruptly, Bunny stops talking, as though he is disturbed by something. However, he returns to normal when he sees their food is coming.
The Secret History is set during the 1980s, when conservative views toward gender roles were widespread in the United States. Bunny regularly makes a point of expressing these views, much to the chagrin of his fellow Greek students, who are more open-minded and progressive.
Themes
Bunny and Richard spend their entire afternoon in the restaurant, eating expensive food and drinking expensive drinks. By the end of the day, both of them are quite drunk. Realizing they have overstayed their welcome, Richard suggests they leave. Bunny agrees and then asks Richard to pay the check, claiming he left his wallet at home. Richard is alarmed because Bunny had previously agreed to pay for everything, and he is in no position to be able to do so himself. Richard tells Bunny he cannot pay so Bunny leaves and calls Henry. He tells Richard it is no big deal, and that Henry will be there soon. Indeed, Henry shows up and pays the check.
This meal is likely the most expensive meal Richard’s ever eaten. As such, Richard is shocked that Bunny treats their predicament so lightly and is equally surprised that Henry agrees to pay for their meal.
Themes
Henry gives Richard and Bunny a ride home from the restaurant. During the ride, Bunny repeatedly tries to make casual conversation, but Henry refuses to humor him. Richard worries that Henry is mad at him. After Henry drops Bunny off, he apologizes to Richard on Bunny’s behalf. Apparently, Bunny often pulls a similar stunt where he asks someone out to a nice meal and then pretends to forget his wallet. At first, Richard refuses to believe it was anything but an honest mistake, but then Henry reminds him that Bunny paid for their cab earlier in the day.
Again, the initially likeable Bunny starts to seem less pleasant. Additionally, Bunny’s inability to pay for his meal calls into question his level of wealth. Meanwhile, Henry proves himself to be kinder and more charitable than Richard previously expected. Although they are still a long way from murder, the dynamic between these three central characters is beginning to align with what was revealed at the start of the novel.
Themes
The next day, Charles and Camilla invite Richard to take a walk with them. He agrees and they start to walk and talk about his lunch with Bunny. They tell him the incident was no big deal and that Henry isn’t angry with him. Richard questions Bunny and Henry’s friendship, but Charles and Camilla assure him that the two are best friends, despite their contrasting demeanors. During the walk, Camilla points out an old cemetery, which is all that remains of a town from the 1700s. She tells Richard that it is beautiful, and he should visit it sometime, particularly in the snow. They also come across three ravens. Richard is shocked—he’s never seen such birds before—and Charles jokingly suggests that it might be an omen.
Whether or not Henry and Bunny are actually best friends is an open question throughout the novel. Though they often spend time together and generally get along, not much is revealed about their relationship prior to Richard’s arrival at Hampden. Like many other seemingly significant details in this novel, their relationship is shrouded in mystery. Also, several times throughout the novel, the Greek students will suggest that something, usually an animal, is ominous. In this case, the three ravens foreshadow the three prominent deaths that will occur throughout the novel.
Themes
Near the end of their walk, Charles and Camilla invite Richard over for dinner. At first, he declines, but he ultimately accepts after they assure him that it would be no trouble for him to join. After arriving at their house, Charles and Camilla ask Richard about the other Californians at Hampden. Richard tells them that he doesn’t know many except Judy. Unsurprisingly, the dislike between Camilla and Judy is mutual, and Camilla seems annoyed when Richard jokingly brings it up.
Again, the divide between the Greek students and everyone else is highlighted. Only Richard and Bunny connect with people who aren’t other Greek students throughout the novel.
Themes
Charles and Camilla tell Richard that Hampden is the “last place on earth for the worst people in the world.” They are half-joking, but also believe there is some truth to that idea. They use Henry as an example. Apparently, Henry is a 10th-grade dropout who refused to take the SATs. No good college would’ve let Henry in if not for Hampden. During this conversation, Richard begins to feel ill. He’s still hung over from his lunch with Bunny, and the whiskey he’s just consumed starts to make him nauseous.
As Charles and Camilla point out, Hampden is an odd school filled with eccentric students and professors. On the one hand, it is willing to accept Bunny, who can barely write in English—and on the other hand, it brings in people like Henry, who, despite not taking his SATs, is extremely intelligent. Similarly, Hampden houses professors ranging from Julian, who, while sometimes pretentious, is an effective instructor, to Dr. Blind, who is utterly incomprehensible.
Themes
Before the conversation can continue, Bunny and Henry arrive. Richard excuses himself to the kitchen, where he gets himself a glass of water. Charles follows close behind to check on the lamb chops he’s cooking. The smell of lamb only nauseates Richard further, and he feels a strong desire to get out of the house. Before long, Bunny and Henry also end up in the kitchen, Henry in search of some aspirin and Bunny in search of food.
The last thing Richard wants to do is embarrass himself in front of the other Greek students, though he also worries that he will further alienate himself if he leaves. Although he attempts to find solace in the kitchen, the Greek students find him there, including Henry whose need for aspirin foreshadows his more significant headaches later in the story.
Themes
When Henry notices that Richard doesn’t look well, Richard tells him it’s “just a headache.” Meanwhile, Charles chastises Bunny for eating the lamb before he can serve it. Richard is quiet throughout dinner while his new friends engage in pedantic conversations. Richard leaves early and walks home, “straining to remember exact words, telling inflections, any subtle insults or kindnesses [he] might’ve missed.” When he returns home, he lays down and watches as the wind ruffles through the pages of the Parmenides, a book he's been reading.
Richard worries that he isn’t sophisticated enough to fit in with his new friends. However, the book he is reading, the Parmenides, is one of the most complicated and enigmatic works in all of Greek literature. As such, Richard’s worries are unnecessary, especially since the group is fine putting up with Bunny’s rather rude behavior.
Themes
Richard wakes up late the following morning and has to rush to Julian’s office to make it in time for class. Bunny lightly ribs Richard for his tardiness, but before he can get far, Julian arrives. Class begins and it’s a particularly rough day for Richard because he's behind. Richard enjoys the days where class is spent talking about philosophy but finds the classes that focus on grammar and prose composition “brutal, bludgeoning labor.” Unfortunately, the latter category is what the majority of the class consists of. As Richard works throughout the week, he thinks that he’s alienated himself from the other Greek students and feels that they are cold to him.
Although Julian likes to think of his class as entering into the sublime, it does also contain a lot of practical linguistic work, some of which will aid the Greek students later in the novel. However, between this work and the attitudes of the Greek students, this moment is clearly a regression for Richard, who thought he’d found a place where he belonged.
Themes
Richard starts to think that he’s made a mistake by joining Julian’s classes. He wonders whether his decision was made too hastily. Hoping a meeting with Julian will make him feel better, Richard heads to Julian’s office. However, he stops just short of it because he hears the voices of Julian and Henry. Richard hears Henry say, “Should I do what is necessary?” In response, Julian takes Henry’s hands and says, “You should only, ever, do what is necessary.” Confused, Richard watches as Henry gives Julian a “quick little businesslike kiss on the cheek” and then walks away. Not wanting to be seen, Richard sneaks down the stairs and then runs away.
This moment between Henry and Julian adds to the air of mystery surrounding both of their characters. Although the novel never confirms what this conversation is about, it likely relates to something that Henry tells Richard later in the novel regarding what the Greek students have been doing all semester. Regardless, it is clear that Henry has a privileged relationship with Julian; he is the clear favorite in an already elite group of people.
Themes
The following week is isolating and bizarre for Richard. The weather gradually gets colder, and he feels completely detached from those around him. He spends his evenings working on Greek and reading his favorite book, The Great Gatsby. Unfortunately, all Richard can think about when he reads the novel are the similarities between himself and Gatsby. That weekend, Richard attends a party. He knows the other Greek students don’t like parties and will not be in attendance.
Richard is correct in comparing himself to Gatsby. Like Richard, Gatsby obscures his lower-class background and pretends to be something that he is not. Also, for much of the novel, Gatsby isolates himself from other people, similar to Richard. Richard attends the party because he worries that his relationship with the other Greek students is unsalvageable, but he still wants to find people to connect with.
Themes
At the party, Richard talks to a girl he finds attractive but annoying. When she realizes Richard is a Greek student, she warns him to be careful because the other Greek students “worship the fucking Devil.” Richard doesn’t take her warning seriously, but she insists that she’s heard a lot of concerning rumors about the Greek students from another student named Seth Gartrell. Gartrell is an artist Richard thinks is a pretentious fake. As such, he does not care for Seth and says so. The girl he's talking to takes offense because Seth is her friend, and she thinks he’s a “genius.” Richard starts to argue with the girl but doesn’t get far before Camilla shows up and pulls him away. She tells Richard that she and Francis are going to Francis’s place in the countryside and extends him an invitation. Richard accepts and they leave immediately.
As it turns out, Richard does not do well when trying to connect with non-Greek students. However, he does learn a new rumor about the Greek students, and although he quickly dismisses it, it adds yet another layer to the mystery surrounding them. Additionally, it is strange that Camilla knows where to find Richard. The Greek students often manage to show up in strange and unexpected places throughout Richard’s first semester. Once again, even though Richard thinks the Greek students don’t like him, they are the ones extending an invite. Meanwhile, Richard has yet to do anything to improve his relationship with them.
Themes
Francis, Camilla, and Richard ride in a Mustang convertible until they reach the country house. The house is immense—it is more like a castle than a house—and Richard is in awe when he sees it. Francis tells him that it belongs to his aunt, and it is empty most of the year. Francis and Camilla begin to give Richard a tour, as the sound of a piano filters in from a back room. When they enter the library, Richard spots Charles at the piano. As it turns out, all the Greek students have come to stay for the weekend.
Here, Francis shows off the massive amount of money he has access to. The convertible and the house are wildly extravagant, although these things have evidently come to seem normal to the Greek students.
Themes
Richard admits that his memories of the past are “distant and blurry” before his arrival at the country house. However, from this point forward, he feels that his memories, “for the first time” will appear “in shapes very like their bright old selves.” He thinks of this moment as the turning point in his relationship with the other Greek students. The house is beloved by both Richard and the Greek students; each room holds a new surprise, and it is revealed to Richard piece by piece.
Here, Richard admits that everything leading up to this passage should be called into question. He openly states that he is not a reliable narrator and there is also an open question as to whether he should be trusted moving forward. Richard has already proven himself to be overly romantic and melodramatic, and the upcoming passages relating to the country house also fit that pattern.
Themes
On Saturday, Henry and Camilla take Richard out in a rowboat on the nearby lake. As Henry rows, he talks about a passage from T. S. Eliot’s The Wasteland. Although Richard now knows the corresponding lines from the poem and recites them, at the time he had no idea what Henry was talking about. When Richard, Henry, and Camilla return from their boat ride, they find the others playing Go Fish because it’s the only card game that Bunny knows how to play.
T. S. Eliot is an odd source for Henry to quote, given that he almost exclusively reads ancient texts. Eliot is a 20th-century poet who is referenced several times in the novel as a potential friend of Julian. Perhaps Henry knows more about this relationship than he lets on and has taken an interest in Eliot because of his proximity to Julian. Meanwhile, in sharp juxtaposition to Henry’s ability to recite poetry on a whim, Bunny struggles to play any card game other than Go Fish.
Themes
The next morning, Richard wakes up early and goes outside where he finds Henry. Henry is working on a Latin translation of Milton’s Paradise Lost; a project he’s doing for fun, rather than for school. After a brief conversation about Milton, Henry abruptly says to Richard, “You’re not very happy where you come from, are you?” Richard is taken aback, though Henry promises not to tell the others the truth about his background. This moment gives Richard a newfound respect for Henry, and he begins to realize why the other Greek students like him so much.
John Milton is a 17th-century English poet whose masterpiece—Paradise Lost—is one of the crowning works of English literature. Paradise Lost is an epic poem that retells the biblical fall of man and the Garden of Eden story from the perspective of Satan. Although Paradise Lost is not a Satanic text, it adds to the previous accusation that the Greek students are devil worshippers. Additionally, Henry proves himself to be sharper than the other Greek students by immediately sniffing out the truth about Richard’s background. Little does Richard know, though, that none of the other Greek students are satisfied with their backgrounds either (something he will learn later in the novel). Beyond studying Greek, this dissatisfaction is what unites them.
Themes
Richard believes that his Fall semester at Hampden made him who he is as a person. Though the Greek students are strange, they help to develop his personality. Each of the other students has their own quirks. Henry, though highly intelligent, is completely unaware of contemporary events. Richard recounts an anecdote where Henry is shocked to learn that men have walked on the moon. Meanwhile, Bunny has a girlfriend named Marion, whom he never brings around the Greek students because they don’t get along. Richard still remembers the times Bunny would come to his room to hide from Marion, only for Marion to come and find him anyway. Though Richard likes all of the Greek students, he prefers the twins and spends much of his time with them.
Although Richard’s childhood surely had a significant impact on the person he became, Richard prefers to think of Hampden as the place where he developed his sense of self. Meanwhile, Bunny proves himself to be the only Greek student other than Richard to engage with someone outside of his major. Unlike the other Greek students, Bunny has a social life and even a girlfriend, although little is actually seen of his relationship with Marion.
Themes
Richard’s favorite memories of his first semester are of the time he spends in the countryside. While there, the Greek students drink, read, and relax. Among other activities, they shoot guns, play croquet, and cook elaborate dinners. On occasion, Julian comes for dinner, and everyone is on their best behavior. Richard remembers finding the dinners “troublesome” at the time but looks back on them fondly. At each dinner, Julian gives the same toast: “Live forever.”
Richard’s memories of his time at Francis’s country house are idyllic—however, they are undercut by Julian’s toast. The phrase “live forever” carries with it a brutal irony because the reader already knows that Bunny’s death is imminent.
Themes
Richard finds himself wondering how he spent so much time with the Greek students, “yet knew so little of what was happening at the end of that term.” He says that there are “plenty of things they didn’t let me in on and would not for some time.” In retrospect, he realizes that there were many clues he should have picked up on. In particular, he cites the others getting angry when Bunny randomly bursts into a rendition of “The Farmer in the Dell.” Also, they would often show up with injuries and had “a strange preoccupation with the weather.” In addition, Richard overhears a strange conversation between the twins about bed sheets and, in a separate incident, finds a boiling pot of revolting “blackish water” on the stove, which Francis claims is for his bath.
This portion of the novel is full of foreshadowing. Clearly, the Greek students are up to something, although Richard withholds that information. As such, the reader is in a similar position to the one Richard was in at the time; although something suspicious is obviously occurring, its exact nature is unclear. All of the examples of strange behavior that Richard cites in this passage will be explained by Henry later on in the novel.
Themes
One day, late into the Fall semester, Richard goes outside and finds Francis and Bunny drinking prairie oysters to cure their hangovers. After a brief conversation about the best cure for a hangover, Francis suggests they walk to the lake, and everyone comes except Bunny. At the lake, Richard and Camilla wade in the water together and Richard thinks about how beautiful she is. Suddenly, Camilla steps on something sharp and blood begins to appear in the water around them. She lifts her foot to find that a shard of green glass has cut an artery.
Although Richard is in love with Camilla, he does not outwardly make his feelings known. In all of his relationships with the Greek students, Richard is passive. He enjoys their company but does not make efforts to develop those relationships in meaningful ways.
Themes
While everyone else appears stunned, Henry comes to Camilla’s rescue and takes charge. He orders Francis to get the first aid kit and tells Richard to make a tourniquet while he holds Camilla in his arms. Though Richard is shocked, he is also struck by the beauty of the moment and thinks that it would make for a great painting. Charles runs down to help Camilla and eventually removes the shard of glass from her foot. Afterwards, Francis and Bunny take Camilla to the emergency room; Francis goes out of obligation and concern, while Bunny goes because he’s mad that he’s missed all of the excitement.
Here, Henry establishes himself as the leader of the group. Everyone else looks to him for guidance, which he is able to confidently provide. Additionally, Richard sees in this moment an example of Julian’s theory concerning beauty and terror. Though there is blood and chaos, Richard believes the moment would make a great painting. Meanwhile, while everyone else shows great concern for Camilla, Bunny treats the incident flippantly, once again showing that he is not the most supportive friend.
Themes
Later in the day, Charles and Richard talk about their desire to stay in the countryside home forever. Charles tells Richard that it might be possible; Francis will likely inherit the home and if he doesn’t, then Henry could buy it. Charles says that such a set-up would be perfect for Henry, who wants to spend his life writing books rather than teaching. Richard loves the idea but knows it sounds too good to be true. Meanwhile, Bunny and Henry are out in the yard playing croquet and laughing. While remembering this moment, Richard says, “That laughter haunts me still.”
This day still haunts Richard because he knows how sharply it contrasts with the way the remainder of his time at Hampden plays out. In particular, the previously warm and friendly relationship between Henry and Bunny will turn into something nearly unrecognizable in the coming months.
Themes
