Note 22 — III Principal Lines of Development of the Novel of Roman Life from 1834 to the Present Day

In regard to Kingsley’s choice of Hypatia for his heroine, it should be said that she typifies the last adherent of Greek philosophy, and this is the real reason she is chosen. There is, however, a marked similarity between Kingsley’s heroine and Ware’s Zenobia. Both were women who aspired to power, independent of the Roman government; and both conceived the idea of relying on male counselors. Hypatia, in speaking of Philammon, says: “If I could but train him into a Longinus, I could dare to play the part of a Zenobia, with him as counselor... And for my Odenatus—Orestes?” She did indeed attempt to follow this plan, even forming an alliance with Orestes, whom she detested. But even if Kingsley’s heroine was in part suggested to him by Ware’s Zenobia, this is not to be considered an important reason leading to the writing of Hypatia.