The Secret History

The prologue of 'The Secret History' sets a haunting and introspective tone, with the narrator reflecting on the death of Bunny, a fellow student, which occurred several weeks prior. Bunny's body was discovered after a significant manhunt involving state troopers, the FBI, and community members, all of whom were unaware that they had been walking over his remains for days due to a heavy snowfall that concealed him. The narrator, who was partially responsible for Bunny's death, describes the initial plan to leave the body in plain sight, hoping it would be discovered quickly as a simple hiking accident. However, nature intervened, and the snow that fell that night covered the body completely, delaying its discovery and complicating the aftermath. The narrator reflects on the ease with which he and the others involved managed to avoid suspicion during the intense search efforts, despite their direct involvement in the incident. This juxtaposition of outward normalcy and inner turmoil is a recurring theme, highlighting the psychological strain of carrying such a secret. The prologue also delves into the immediate aftermath of the event, describing the group's return from the scene of the crime. They walked back through the woods, whispered final checks to ensure no evidence was left behind, and then drove away, initially behaving as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. The narrator recalls the first flakes of snow falling as they left, a symbolic moment that marks the beginning of a long, painful journey of guilt and concealment. Despite the passage of time and the apparent resolution of the immediate crisis, the narrator reveals that the memory of that day continues to haunt him. The ravine where Bunny died remains a vivid, indelible image in his mind, a constant reminder of the irreversible actions taken and the profound impact they had on his life. The prologue ends with the narrator's realization that this tragic event has become the defining story of his life, overshadowing all other experiences and memories.

Richard Papen, the narrator, reflects on his unremarkable childhood in Plano, California, where he felt trapped and yearned for a more vibrant existence. His passion for Greek leads him to apply to Hampden College, a decision that transforms his life. At Hampden, Richard is captivated by the enigmatic Professor Julian Morrow and his select group of students. During a chance encounter in the library, Richard's knowledge of Greek impresses Julian's students, particularly Bunny, Charles, and Camilla, setting the stage for his eventual acceptance into Julian's exclusive class.

Fascinated by Julian and his students, Richard visits Julian's office, where a lengthy and engaging conversation results in Julian offering Richard a place in his class under strict conditions, including changing his academic counselor and dropping all other classes except French. Richard accepts, marking a significant shift in his academic and social life.

The first class with Julian is a revelation for Richard. Julian's teaching style is captivating, focusing on themes of madness, desire, and the loss of self. The class delves into the Greek concept of divine madness and the allure of losing control, a theme that resonates deeply with Richard and the other students. They discuss Dionysian rituals and the power of unrestrained emotion, setting the tone for the intense and transformative experiences to come.

After class, Richard finds a note from Bunny inviting him to lunch, signaling his growing acceptance into the group. However, his encounter with the peculiar and rambling Dr. Roland adds a layer of absurdity to the day, contrasting the intellectual and emotional intensity of Julian's class with the mundane aspects of college life.

Richard borrows a jacket from Judy Poovey, a girl from Los Angeles, to prepare for a lunch date with Bunny. Over an extravagant lunch, Bunny regales Richard with tales of his past, including a memorable incident at the Oak Bar in New York with his brothers and a friend named Cloke Rayburn. Bunny also reveals details about Henry's background, mentioning a serious childhood accident that left him with a scar and a limp, and noting that Henry's family is extremely wealthy. The lunch ends with Henry being called to bail Bunny and Richard out of a financial predicament at the restaurant.

As the term at Hampden College draws to a close, Richard Papen contemplates the bleak prospect of returning to Plano, California, where he feels alienated and unwelcome. Preferring the harsh cold of an unheated warehouse in East Hampden to the artificial warmth of his parents' home, Richard decides to stay behind. His friends, however, have other plans: Henry and Bunny are traveling to Italy, while Francis, Charles, and Camilla extend invitations to Richard, which he declines due to financial constraints and pride.

Settling into the warehouse, Richard faces extreme cold and isolation. His days are spent working at Dr. Roland's office, where he feigns industriousness to curry favor, and wandering the town to escape the biting chill of his living space. Despite his best efforts to conceal his dire circumstances, his health rapidly deteriorates, leading to hallucinations and paranoia. One night, while attempting to call a taxi, Richard falls and cuts his forehead. In a state of desperation, he returns to the warehouse, only to find Henry standing there, visibly shocked by Richard's condition.

Henry, who had returned from Italy earlier than expected, escorts Richard to a hospital in Montpelier, where he stays for four nights. Henry remains by his side, offering care and support, though he remains distant and preoccupied with his own concerns. After discharge, Richard moves in with Henry, who resides in a large, sparsely furnished house in North Hampden. Despite Henry's aloof demeanor, Richard finds him to be a considerate and accommodating roommate.

Upon his return from Italy, Bunny appears markedly different—weight gain, a new stylish suit, and a brash, boastful demeanor. His behavior suggests a newfound confidence, and he seems surprised to find Richard living with Henry. The reunion between Henry and Bunny is tense, with Henry lying about his whereabouts and Bunny harboring suspicions about Henry's intentions. Later, Richard overhears a heated conversation between Henry and Francis, hinting at deeper tensions and secrets within the group.

The chapter concludes with Henry asking Richard to invite Bunny over, suggesting an impending conflict or significant discussion. Reluctantly, Richard complies, calling Bunny from a payphone after moving back to Monmouth House.

Richard returns to Hampden College, bracing himself for a return to his usual routine with his friends. However, he is met with an unsettling silence and avoidance. The twins, Charles and Camilla, and Henry have vanished without a trace, and Bunny behaves oddly, hinting at some undisclosed conflict or secret. Richard's attempts to reach out to his friends, including a visit to Henry's empty and disorganized apartment, only deepen his confusion and unease.

During a Greek class, the group reunites, but the atmosphere is tense. Charles and Camilla offer vague explanations about a series of mishaps with their apartment key and car, which kept them at Francis's country house. Their explanations seem rehearsed and unconvincing, and Richard's suspicions grow. He notices a significant change in the group's dynamics, particularly in Henry's demeanor.

Later, Henry invites Richard on a drive, during which he reveals that the group had planned to flee to South America but lacked the necessary funds. Henry admits to a bizarre and dangerous experiment they conducted, attempting to achieve a Bacchic frenzy. The ritual, which involved fasting, symbolic acts, and a deep state of belief, culminated in the accidental killing of a man. Henry describes the surreal and chaotic night, where they were overtaken by a mystical and violent state, resulting in the man's death and their subsequent decision to leave the body in the woods.

Henry's confession leaves Richard in a state of shock and disbelief. Henry explains that Bunny's erratic behavior is due to his guilt and fear over the incident. The chapter ends with Francis returning home, and Henry preparing Richard for the challenges ahead, emphasizing the gravity of their situation and the need for secrecy and solidarity.

Still reeling from the accidental killing of the farmer, Richard reflects on the group's shifting dynamics. Henry, Francis, Charles, and Camilla are deeply troubled by Bunny's erratic and increasingly hostile behavior. Henry and Francis reveal that Bunny's presence in Italy and his discovery of the diary entries detailing the murder have led to a series of confrontations and threats, causing significant tension within the group.

One evening, Henry and Richard discuss the potential dangers Bunny poses. Henry outlines a plan to eliminate the threat, considering using poison but ultimately deeming it too risky. The group meets to discuss a new plan, which involves luring Bunny into a hiking accident. Henry's meticulous planning and the group's reluctance to proceed highlight the moral and psychological strain they are under.

The next day, Richard discovers that Bunny is at a campus party instead of on his usual hike. He calls Henry, who is disappointed but adaptable. The group reconvenes at the ravine, where they wait for Bunny. When Bunny unexpectedly appears, the group is caught off guard, and Henry tries to maintain composure. Bunny, oblivious to the danger, jokes about their presence in the woods.

The chapter builds tension as the group struggles with the reality of their plan. Richard, in particular, is conflicted and emotionally overwhelmed. The group's dynamics are strained, and the impending action looms heavily over their interactions. The chapter ends with Bunny's arrival, setting the stage for the critical moment that will follow.

Richard grapples with the moral implications of the murder, reflecting on how easily he and his friends justified their actions. The psychological toll of the event weighs heavily on him, manifesting in guilt and paranoia that he tries to alleviate with drugs and alcohol.

The next day, the group's dynamics are strained as they prepare for the inevitable discovery of Bunny's body. Henry devises a plan to involve the police by having Charles and Cloke Rayburn break into Bunny's room and alert the authorities. Charles and Cloke execute the plan, and the police begin a more organized search. The media and the community become increasingly involved, with the FBI showing interest in the case.

Richard and the others are questioned by the FBI, heightening their anxiety. Henry's strategic manipulation of the situation, including implicating Cloke in drug-related activities, shifts the focus away from the group. However, the pressure mounts as the search intensifies and the weather changes, with warm rain melting the snow that had concealed Bunny's body.

On Tuesday, a freshman named Holly Goldsmith and her dog Milo accidentally discover Bunny's body in the ravine. The news spreads quickly, and the campus erupts into chaos. Henry, Camilla, and Richard are confronted by the media and law enforcement, with Henry maintaining remarkable composure and control over the situation. The FBI agents, Davenport and Sciola, provide preliminary details about the discovery, ruling out suicide and suggesting an accident.

The chapter concludes with the group's reactions to the discovery, particularly Camilla's emotional breakdown. The FBI's dismissal of the case as a local matter and their skepticism towards the gas station mechanic's claims of a kidnapping offer a sense of relief, but the underlying tension and guilt remain unresolved.

Still reeling from the FBI's questioning and the mounting pressure, Richard reflects on the public reaction to Bunny's death. The Hampden community, known for its over-the-top responses, stages a series of memorials and tributes that seem more performative than genuine. This public display of grief starkly contrasts with the private guilt and fear of the group responsible for Bunny's death.

As they prepare for Bunny's funeral, Richard and Francis travel to Connecticut, where they are met by Mr. Corcoran, whose erratic and emotional behavior oscillates between warmth and uncontrollable sobbing. The atmosphere at the Corcoran house is tense, with Henry visibly distressed and the others struggling to cope with the impending funeral and the weight of their secret.

Henry, who has been helping the Corcorans, is dealing with severe headaches and relies on medication. The group's attempts to find suitable drugs to help Henry cope lead to a tense and risky encounter with Mrs. Corcoran's stash. The night before the funeral, the group is further disrupted by Charles's erratic behavior and a near-disastrous incident involving pot smoking just before Mrs. Corcoran's arrival.

The funeral itself is a somber and surreal affair, with a long procession to the church and a crowded, emotional service. Henry reads a poem by A.E. Housman, a choice that deeply affects Richard and underscores the group's guilt. The burial at the cemetery is particularly harrowing, with Henry methodically sprinkling dirt over the coffin, a poignant and unsettling moment that leaves the group shaken.

Richard reflects on the chaotic and surreal post-funeral gathering at the Corcorans' home, where Julian's presence brings a sense of calm and grace amidst the caterers' mistakes and the Corcorans' erratic emotions. A false alarm about a burglary adds to the strained atmosphere, but Julian's diplomatic handling, especially with the Corcorans and his old acquaintance Paul Vanderfeller, stands out.

The next day, Richard experiences a strange sense of freedom and relief, despite the underlying guilt and paranoia. He spends time alone, savoring the peace and the beauty of the campus. However, the twins' relationship is strained, and Charles and Camilla are barely speaking. Henry, who has been absent, is revealed to be in a fragile state, and Richard learns from Camilla that she has moved to the Albemarle Inn, a luxury hotel, under Henry's arrangement. This move further exacerbates the tension between Charles and Henry.

Richard's interactions with Francis and Charles reveal deeper issues within the group. Francis confides in Richard about his complicated relationship with Charles, including instances of physical intimacy and Charles's possessive behavior towards Camilla. Charles, struggling with alcoholism and paranoia, is hospitalized with a high fever, and Henry's role in this situation remains ambiguous. Francis and Richard visit Charles in the hospital, finding him in a poor state, and Francis expresses concern about Henry's influence and Camilla's safety.

Camilla visits Richard and reveals that Charles has been abusive, showing signs of physical violence. She explains that she is staying at the Albemarle Inn for her own protection, acknowledging Henry's support but also aware of the complex dynamics between the group members. Richard's anger and concern for Camilla's well-being are evident, but he is torn by the loyalty and fear that bind the group together.

Richard's internal struggle intensifies as he reflects on Henry's manipulative tactics and the group's shared responsibility for Bunny's death. He realizes that Henry's decision to include him in the secret was a calculated move, and he feels increasingly trapped by the moral and psychological burden of their actions. The chapter concludes with Richard's visit to Henry, who is meticulously tending to his garden, and a chilling conversation where Henry reveals the profound impact of the murder on his psyche, suggesting a newfound sense of power and control.

A gunshot wound to the narrator’s stomach, narrowly missing vital organs, sets the tone for the epilogue. In the ambulance, he reflects on the surreal juxtaposition of bright neon lights and mundane surroundings against the gravity of his injury. His thoughts turn to Henry, whose death came from two bullets to the head. Despite the severity of his injuries, Henry lived for more than twelve hours, a testament to his willpower. The narrator often revisits the moment Henry raised the gun to his head, his expression focused and almost joyful, driven by a need to prove his principles rather than by desperation or fear.

After graduating from Hampden College, the narrator moved to Brooklyn, where he spent the summer recovering and reflecting on his experiences. A relationship with Sophie Dearbold ended after six months due to his emotional distance and uncommunicative nature. During this time, he immersed himself in the works of Jacobean dramatists, finding a resonance in their exploration of sin, catastrophe, and the duality of good and evil.

The narrator’s interactions with Francis and the twins have become infrequent, and the group has drifted apart. Francis, in particular, is struggling with his life, having attempted suicide by cutting his wrists. The narrator visits Francis in the hospital, where Francis reveals his impending marriage to a woman he does not love, driven by familial pressure and financial constraints. Francis’s lifestyle and mental state have deteriorated, and he is visibly pale and frail.

Camilla visits Francis in Boston, and the three of them spend time together, discussing their past and the current state of their lives. Camilla reveals that Charles has been struggling with alcoholism and has been living an unstable life, moving between different cities and jobs. Camilla and Charles have effectively stopped communicating, and Camilla is now focused on caring for her grandmother, who is in poor health.

The narrator and Camilla have a deep conversation, and he proposes marriage to her, but she declines, citing her commitment to her grandmother and her enduring love for Henry. The narrator leaves Boston and drives back to California, reflecting on the rain and the emptiness of the landscape, which mirror his emotional state.

The epilogue concludes with brief updates on the lives of other characters: Cloke Rayburn has become a lawyer, Judy Poovey is a fitness instructor, and Francis has married Priscilla. The narrator reflects on the enduring presence of the past and the ways in which their shared history continues to shape their lives, even as they move forward into the future.