Chapter 67: Andromeda — Summary and Study Guide

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Summary

The chapter opens with Andromeda walking through the palace to the great hall. The salt marks left by the sea have been washed from the walls, and the tapestries and couches have been taken outside to dry. A faint smell of damp is all that remains. She hurries to her parents, hoping that Perseus is being well looked after in his rooms and that he will be impressed by her family and home.

She finds her parents waiting at the table. Her father, Cepheus, lounges almost as comfortably as ever, but her mother, Cassiope, looks drawn. A silence hangs between them, which Andromeda intends to break. She announces that she will marry Perseus. Her father replies that this was made clear when she allowed him to grab her in front of all their subjects. Andromeda defends the gesture, explaining that she wanted to confirm to everyone that Perseus is the kind of man she would like as her husband, rather than an absent coward—an old, absent coward, she adds, making her mother flinch. She insists that Perseus is the son of Zeus and that this is a match her parents should approve.

Cepheus nods, saying he can hardly refuse Perseus after he appeared so impressively and saved her when he could not. There is a tremor in his voice, and Andromeda wonders why. She thinks it is too late for him to wish he had done more; he did nothing when it mattered, while Perseus did everything. She tells her father that Perseus will ask for permission to marry her that night. Cepheus remarks that he is not sure Perseus asks for permission, but perhaps he will, since he is a guest.

Andromeda presses her father, asking why he doesn't like Perseus. She reminds him that Perseus saved her life when no one else would or could, that he didn't fear the monster, Poseidon, or the vile priests. Her father says he would be happy for her to marry such a man, but his tone suggests otherwise. Andromeda waits for more, but he simply pours more wine. She takes her place on the next couch, leaving room for Perseus.

Cepheus admits he is deeply ashamed of his brother Phineus's continuing absence and cowardice, though he finds his age more forgivable than Andromeda does. He explains that he and her mother chose a husband for her because they believed he would be good for her, but Phineus's behavior has made it clear he would not. He would like to choose her a new husband himself, rather than have one swoop in from the skies whom they don't know and she doesn't know either. But they have discussed the matter and feel they cannot stand in Perseus's way if he wishes to marry her: they barely survived the wrath of Poseidon and cannot incur the anger of Zeus the Almighty.

Andromeda looks at her mother, who stares into her cup, tilting it gently. Andromeda asks what about what she wants, accusing her parents of behaving as though she has no say. Her father smiles and says she had made up her mind the moment Perseus appeared, so they didn't worry about that when they discussed it. Andromeda says she doesn't think they are pleased with this marriage, whatever they say, and notes they sit in silence as though preparing for a funeral—which they very nearly were, though she would have been conspicuously missing.

Her mother finally speaks, her voice creaky from lack of use. She says they are grateful to Perseus for saving Andromeda from her folly, and that he is a child of the gods and well-favoured by them. She has only one reason to be unhappy today, and she hopes it will fade with time. When Andromeda asks what that is, her mother replies that Perseus enjoyed killing the priests so much. Andromeda defends the killings, saying the priests wanted her dead and that new priests can be found easily. Cepheus says he doesn't disagree with her, which Andromeda notes is what he invariably says when he does disagree. He adds that they wanted to placate the gods and thought they had to do as they demanded, but Perseus comes with a higher authority, from Zeus himself, if he is to be believed.

Andromeda questions why they would doubt his parentage. Cepheus quickly says he is not questioning it, just not accustomed to meeting sons of Zeus. Andromeda points out that the father of her future husband is less surprising than a wandering ocean or a sea monster. She asks what her mother meant by saying he enjoyed killing them—he was saving her life, and enjoyment hardly came into it. She argues there was no point in killing the creature sent to eat her if he was just going to stand back and let the priests issue orders for some other god-demanded death. At least he stood up for her.

There is a long silence. Cepheus says, “He is not king of all the Ethiopians, my dear. I was their king before I was your father.” Andromeda replies that now she has the chance to marry a man who thinks of her needs before those of his people, which is more than could be said of the man her parents wanted her to marry. Her mother insists that Perseus relished the killing—his eyes were full of excitement when he swung his sword into the old priest's throat. She says she is sure he would never put other people's needs before Andromeda's, but he will never put anyone's before his own.

Andromeda denies this, saying her mother has barely met him. Her mother retorts that Andromeda is agreeing to marry him and has barely met him. Andromeda reminds them that Perseus is on a quest to save his mother from being forced to marry a man she doesn't like. She and Perseus discussed everything important on the walk back to the palace, and she is sure she will love everything she doesn't already know about him. How could she resist someone trying to save his mother from the very fate she herself faced?

Cepheus says Perseus explained that his quest is very urgent and perilous. Andromeda says the gods have assisted him because he is the son of Zeus and enjoys their favour, which will be a nice change for her—enjoying divine favour. Her mother points out that Perseus delayed his journey home to save Andromeda. Andromeda cries out that she doesn't know how that reflects poorly on him, and assumes it's because it reflects badly on her parents. Her mother replies that Andromeda said he wouldn't put anyone else's needs before hers, but he chose to put the needs of a stranger—her—before the interests of his mother, to whom he is so devoted. Why was he not hurrying to save her? Why was he diverted from his journey home? Andromeda says it's because he loved her the moment he saw her. Her mother counters that he had already abandoned his mother before he'd seen Andromeda. Andromeda stares at her in furious silence. Her father looks at the floor.

At that moment, Perseus steps into the dining room, saying, “I hope I'm not late.”

Key Events

Andromeda finds her parents in the hall, with the palace cleaned of salt marks.
She announces her intention to marry Perseus.
Cepheus acknowledges her public gesture and admits he cannot refuse Perseus.
Cepheus explains that he and Cassiope fear the wrath of Zeus and Poseidon, so they won't oppose the match.
Cassiope reveals her concern that Perseus enjoyed killing the priests.
Andromeda defends Perseus's actions and his character.
Cassiope argues that Perseus delayed his quest to save his mother, suggesting he prioritizes his own desires.
Andromeda insists Perseus loved her at first sight.
Perseus enters the dining room.

Character Development

Andromeda emerges as fiercely assertive and determined. She takes control of the conversation, challenging her parents' authority and defending her choice. Her insistence on her own agency is clear when she asks, “And what about what I want?” She is also idealistic, believing that Perseus's love at first sight justifies everything, and she dismisses her mother's more cynical observations. Her quickness to defend Perseus, even when confronted with evidence of his violence, shows both her loyalty and her naivety.

Cepheus is portrayed as a king who has been humbled by his failure to save his daughter. He admits he could not act when it mattered, and now he feels powerless to oppose Perseus. His repeated phrase “I don't disagree with you” reveals his tendency to avoid direct conflict, and his fear of divine wrath overrides his parental instincts. He is also aware of his own diminished authority, as seen in his comment about being king before he was a father.

Cassiope is the most perceptive character in this scene. She is drawn and silent at first, but when she speaks, she offers a sharp critique of Perseus. She notices his enjoyment of violence and questions his priorities, pointing out that he delayed his quest to save his mother. Her argument that Perseus will never put anyone's needs before his own is a direct challenge to Andromeda's romantic view. Cassiope's guilt over her own folly (which caused the sea monster) is evident, and she is grateful for Andromeda's rescue, but she cannot ignore the troubling aspects of Perseus's character.

Perseus appears only at the end, but his presence looms over the entire conversation. His actions—grabbing Andromeda in public, killing the priests, delaying his quest—are all discussed and interpreted differently by the family. He is a catalyst for the conflict between Andromeda and her parents.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Parental authority vs. individual choice is central. Andromeda asserts her right to choose her husband, while her parents struggle with their traditional role of arranging marriages. Cepheus admits he would like to choose for her, but he is overruled by fear of the gods.

Divine favor and wrath drive the plot. The family's fear of Poseidon and Zeus dictates their decisions. Andromeda sees Perseus's divine parentage as a blessing, while her parents see it as a threat.

Marriage as alliance is evident in the discussion. Andromeda sees marriage to Perseus as a way to gain divine favor and protection, while her parents originally chose Phineus for political reasons. The chapter highlights how marriage is not just a personal choice but a strategic one.

Cowardice vs. heroism is contrasted through Phineus's absence and Perseus's actions. Andromeda repeatedly calls Phineus a coward, while praising Perseus's bravery. However, Cassiope's comments complicate the idea of heroism by suggesting that Perseus's courage is tainted by a love of violence.

Violence and moral ambiguity are explored through the killing of the priests. Andromeda sees it as justified self-defense, while her mother sees it as a sign of a dangerous character. The chapter raises questions about whether the ends justify the means.

Gratitude and obligation are intertwined. Andromeda feels grateful to Perseus and believes she owes him her life, which she repays by marrying him. Her parents feel obligated to accept him because of his divine favor, even if they have reservations.

Agency and consent are questioned. Andromeda claims she has a say, but her parents' decision to allow the marriage is based on fear, not on her wishes. The chapter also touches on the idea of consent in marriage, as Andromeda is choosing Perseus, but the choice is made under the pressure of circumstance.

Trust in strangers is a motif. Andromeda trusts Perseus completely despite barely knowing him, while her parents are wary. Cassiope's warning about Perseus's self-interest highlights the risk of trusting someone so quickly.

Sacrifice and self-interest are contrasted. Perseus delayed his quest to save Andromeda, which could be seen as selfless, but Cassiope argues it shows he prioritizes his own desires over his mother's needs.

Kingship and responsibility are touched upon when Cepheus reminds Andromeda that he was king before he was her father, implying that his decisions were made with the kingdom in mind.

Divine parentage and legitimacy are discussed as Andromeda uses Perseus's status as Zeus's son to justify the match, while her parents question whether it can be believed.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a turning point in the narrative, as it solidifies the relationship between Andromeda and Perseus while exposing the tensions within her family. It reveals the aftermath of the rescue and the political and personal consequences. The conversation between Andromeda and her parents sets up future conflicts, particularly the unresolved issue of Phineus and the potential for Perseus's violent nature to cause problems. It also deepens our understanding of Andromeda's character, showing her as both strong-willed and blind to Perseus's flaws. The chapter's focus on divine favor and parental fear underscores the power dynamics in the world of the novel, where gods and heroes operate above mortal authority.

Study Questions

Why does Andromeda defend Perseus's killing of the priests so vigorously, and what does this reveal about her values?

Answer: Andromeda sees the priests as enemies who wanted her dead, so their deaths are justified to her. She values loyalty and protection over mercy, and she is grateful to Perseus for standing up for her. This reveals that she prioritizes her own survival and the loyalty of her savior over the lives of those who condemned her. It also shows her willingness to overlook violence when it serves her interests.

How does Cassiope's argument about Perseus's delay in saving his mother challenge Andromeda's romantic view of him?

Answer: Cassiope points out that Perseus had already abandoned his mother before he saw Andromeda, meaning his decision to save Andromeda was not a sign of love at first sight but rather a deviation from his original mission. This suggests that Perseus may be impulsive or self-serving, and that his devotion to his mother is not as strong as Andromeda believes. It undermines Andromeda's idealization of him as a selfless hero.

What does Cepheus's comment about being king before being a father reveal about his priorities?

Answer: Cepheus's comment indicates that he sees his role as king as primary, and that his decisions as a father are shaped by his responsibilities to his people and the gods. He is more concerned with maintaining order and avoiding divine wrath than with his daughter's personal happiness. This explains why he is willing to accept a marriage he is not entirely comfortable with, as long as it keeps the kingdom safe.