Satyricon 14 – Scene VIII: Trimalchio’s Tomb and the Widow of Ephesus

(Previously – Satyricon 13 – Scene VIIc: Dinner with Trimalchio – Third Course)

I love the Widow of Ephesus story both because of its clever punch line and its Epicurean philosophy. In the novel, it is told by Eumolpus to soothe tensions after an argument on Lichas’ ship (sections 111-112). In Fellini’s film, it is told by Hermeros, the rich freedman who earlier berated Encolpius…

The Journey to the Tomb – The torture of Eumolpus segues into the procession to Trimalchio’s tomb: another quiet sc...