Thaïs

I have in my library a 700 page volume with the selected works of the French author Anatole France, yet to my shame from it I have only read Thaïs. This work was suggested by Alan Watts in one of his lectures as an example that illustrates how asceticism cannot lead to enlightenment, but rather to a moral and a spiritual descent.

Thaïs is a short 100-page novel. The setting of the story is quite interesting – Egypt in the 4^th century after the New Era, when Christianity starts to slowly spread in the near East. In the city of Alexandria philosophers, Christians, Arians, people devoted to the old pagan religions as well as atheists are all mixed up. While the surrounding desert is filled with Christian monks, ascetics and even yogis and fakirs from India. 

The main character is a monk name Paphnuce, who is in charge of a small order of monks that live in lack and devotion in the desert. As a young man, Paphnuce was surrounded by wealth and delight in Alexandria, but was awaken, by his own definition, to the correct and righteous path of Christianity. Thus, he left Alexandria and became a monk under the guidance of the famous St. Antony of Egypt.

One day Paphnuce has a vision, a remembrance of a beautiful courtesan and comedian actress named Thaïs. She lives in Alexandria having many admirers and lovers, who showered her with gifts and riches. As a youth, Paphnuce fell in love with her, yet was too ashamed to do anything about it. Now as a monk after this vision, he decides to go out and save her – converting her to Christianity and leading her to a women’s monastery, where she may live in repentance as a nun, in order for her soul to be saved.

Now this is 10 pages in the story, yet maybe you can feel the drift of the plot. Without giving too much away Paphnuce faith is challenged both on his way to Alexandria, in the city and later on his journey. As Paphnuce encounters difficulties he always assumes that he is not doing enough for God and commits to more and more harsh ascetic practices, thinking that this is in service for God, only to discover later that this service is for the Devil (this all plays out in his head, mind you).       

It is interesting to consider all these spiritual practices going on in the desert, not only the asceticism of the main character, but also the way of life of other monks and hermits. One monk name Palemon serves God through meekly tending a garden in the desert, a practice so peaceful that animals walk around him with no fear and birds rest on his shoulder. His monasticism is of moderation and content contrasting to Paphnuce extreme practice of self-depletion. Another interesting character is that of the yogi Timocles who does not care about anything, living just like an ascetic monk, but knowing nothing about who Christ is. There is an interesting discussion between him and Paphnuce. And of course, there is the image of St. Antony the Great, father of all monks in Egypt who at the end of the novel descends from the mountain as if from heaven to meet his flock of monks, gathered to see him.

Then there is Thaïs who comes from a poor family but acquires wealth. Who lives in abundance and is still relatively young but fears death and the unknown. Whose life and profession is one of lust, yet she was baptized secretly as a child. Thaïs of Alexandria became a saint at the end of her life through her repentance, her character is one who plays many roles (she is an actress after all), but ultimately she proves to be more devoted to God then her savior Paphnuce is.          

The novel seems to be challenging asceticism, but I believe that this is a simplified observation. The novel is about a man who is trying to fix something with the wrong method. Paphnuce is trying to fix his faith, but he goes at in wrongly and the more he tries the deeper he descends in doubt and confusion. The book also does a great job of depicting early Christianity and how revolutionary it was compared to the pagane religions or Greek philosophies. 

The novel deals with devotion both as an uplifting and as a destructive force. It deals with the strengths and weaknesses of the human heart and presents various modes of being with their own peaks and valleys, treasures and toils. And just like any good book, few explicit answers are provided. Anatole France lets the reader judge his characters, providing his own opinion just at the very end of the novel.  

Who should read “Thaïs”?

Obviously, this meager review falls far short of the real thing so go and read “Thaïs”. If you are in to classical literature of the late 19^th and early 20^th century then Anatole France is definitely worth reading. I myself plan to read more of his works, and hopefully will provide sequential reviews for this author. If you are interested in religion as a philosopher and historian, this novel fits you perfectly. In addition, the novel is about a fall, the story is captivating and interesting, making it a quick read but with a certain substance and beauty to it.

I do not think it matters whether you are religious or not. A good story is a good story. If you are, a Christian devoted to your religion the book will offer very interesting depictions of the monastic life in the desert and also it is about the history of Christianity so that might be worth something to you.

The novel Thaïs takes you to a mystic time providing many things for you to ponder on, but most importantly taking you through a great narrative that is both profound and exciting to read.