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Tropological Reading of the Vita Antonii

 

             Athanasius" Vita Antonii on both the literal and tropological level of interpretation reveals the contrast between achieving life happiness through materialistic paradise or spiritualistic paradise. Furthermore, three major events in St. Antony's life, his relinquishment of material possessions, his denial of demons, and his entrance into the garden, highlight the path to spiritual bliss.
             Analyzing Antony's decision making following the death of his family exposes the initial step towards spiritual fulfillment. As a young man of "about eighteen or twenty," St. Antony inherited a large amount of responsibility, after the death of his parents (Athanasius 41). Not only was he now the heir to the family fortunes, but he also assumed the responsibility of caring for his younger sister. While the latter seemingly would strain the agenda of a young man, the materialistic inheritance poses the largest hindrance to Antony's spirituality. Morally, this is the initial test to Antony's eventual journey to find peace with God. The Lord has set before Antony the materialistic comfort sought by many people, which he must in turn deny. Fittingly, it is the gospel of the Matthew 19:21 saying, "If thou wouldst be perfect, go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor, and come follow Me and thou shalt have treasure in heaven," which finalizes Antony's choice to relinquish his possessions in order to commit himself to the service of God (Athanasius 41). In Short, Antony's calling to turn his back on the materialism of the world is the start of a journey to spiritual contentment.
             Moreover, following Antony's escape from materialism, he takes leave to the desert where the devil tests Antony's metal. After seeking the knowledge of wise men, throughout the region, Antony finds solidarity in the tombs where he "remains within alone" (Athanasius 43). Fearing Antony's ability to bestow his spiritual discipline on the people of the region, the temptations of the devil take the form of physical abuse.


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