Daphnis and Chloe by Longus is often heralded for its lyrical prose and enchanting depiction of pastoral love. Critics praise its timeless themes and rich, bucolic setting. However, some find the plot predictable and overly simplistic. The novel remains a seminal piece in ancient Greek literature, offering a charming blend of romance and nature.

Readers who enjoy pastoral romance with an exploration of nature and young love, akin to Theocritus’s idylls or Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd, will find delight in Daphnis and Chloe by Longus. This ancient Greek novel offers a blend of sweet innocence and bucolic beauty, perfect for classics enthusiasts.

Daphnis and Chloe by Longus is an ancient Greek romance novel set in an idealized rural world, narrating the love story of the two eponymous protagonists, who are discovered and raised by shepherd families. As they grow, Daphnis and Chloe develop romantic feelings for each other and, despite various challenges including abductions and misunderstandings, ultimately find happiness together. The novel contains references to sexual assault and socially acknowledged romantic relationships between older men and younger men in ancient Greece.

Romantic / Nostalgic / Fantastical / Heartwarming / Serene

- Daphnis and Chloe is considered one of the earliest novels in Western literature, written in the 2nd century AD during the Roman Empire, showcasing both pastoral beauty and romantic adventure.
- Longus's work, Daphnis and Chloe, was originally composed in ancient Greek and has influenced numerous later works, inspiring operas, ballets, and paintings throughout centuries, including Ravel's ballet Daphnis et Chloé.
- The novel is often praised for its vivid depiction of nature and life in the pastoral setting of Lesbos, intertwining natural imagery with the themes of love and growth in its narrative.

Longus

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Daphnis and Chloe reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Daphnis and Chloe | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Daphnis and Chloe and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Daphnis and Chloe Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Preface

Daphnis and Chloe Preface Summary & Analysis

Book 1

Daphnis and Chloe Book 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 2

Daphnis and Chloe Book 2 Summary & Analysis

Book 3

Daphnis and Chloe Book 3 Summary & Analysis

Book 4

Daphnis and Chloe Book 4 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Daphnis and Chloe Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Daphnis and Chloe Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Daphnis and Chloe Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Daphnis and Chloe Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Daphnis and Chloe Essay Topics

Daphnis and Chloe

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Daphnis and Chloe?

Reading Age

Book Details