Julian’s lectures in this first part of the novel are full of foreshadowing, while also presenting several of
The Secret’s History’s primary thematic concerns. Later in the novel, particularly after Bunny’s death, the Greek students find themselves unable to escape their own inner monologues. In addition, the speech Julian asks Camilla to recite, which is from Aeschylus’
Agamemnon, foreshadows the plot of
The Secret History. Like
Agamemnon,
The Secret History’s plot is structured around a violent act that leads to more violent acts.