Character Overview
Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea, is a historical figure reimagined as a primary antagonist in The Book of Longings. He embodies the oppressive forces of Roman collusion, corrupt political power, and the patriarchy that threatens the protagonist, Ana. As the patron of Ana's father, Matthias, Antipas's influence permeates her family's life. His desires and ambitions—his lust for Ana and his obsession with becoming King of the Jews—drive much of the central conflict, forcing Ana to make desperate choices that shape her destiny.
Who Is Herod Antipas?
Herod Antipas is a ruler consumed by ambition and lust, a man who embodies the decadence and cruelty of Roman-influenced power. He is a constant threat to Ana's freedom and self-determination, representing the patriarchal forces that seek to control her body and silence her voice. His actions are driven by a desire for political validation and personal gratification, making him a formidable and dangerous adversary.
Personality & Traits
Herod Antipas is a complex but consistently malevolent figure, defined by his predatory nature, ruthless ambition, and decadent lifestyle. He embodies the corruption of power and the dangers of unchecked desire.
- Predatory and Lustful: Antipas views Ana as an object to be possessed, spying on her, touching her without consent, and propositioning her to be his concubine. His desire is possessive and objectifying, reducing her to a mere object of his lust.
- Power-Hungry and Ambitious: Consumed by the desire to be named "King of the Jews," a title denied to him, Antipas curries favor with Rome, engages in grand building projects like the city of Tiberias, and enters into a politically motivated marriage with Herodias. The people call him "the Fox" for his cunning, though Ana's father is noted as being "the slyer one" (Chapter 5).
- Cruel and Vindictive: Antipas does not tolerate dissent or defiance. He imprisons and executes John the Immerser for publicly condemning his marriage and uses the capture of Judas as a public spectacle to humiliate Matthias. When Ana rejects his advances, he demotes her father and later orders her arrest, demonstrating his petty and vengeful nature.
- Decadent and Romanized: Antipas's palace in Sepphoris is a testament to his rejection of Jewish tradition in favor of Roman excess. It is filled with lavish mosaics depicting graven images, Roman baths, and extravagant feasts, all of which stand in stark contrast to the lives of the Galilean peasants he rules.
Character Journey
Herod Antipas remains a static character throughout the novel, his villainy deepening as the story progresses. Initially a distant figure of power connected to her father's work, he becomes a personal antagonist when his lustful gaze falls upon Ana, culminating in his demand that she become his concubine. His political ambition escalates, leading him to discard his wife Phasaelis for Herodias, an act that directly leads to the execution of John the Immerser and the order for Ana's arrest. His actions become increasingly ruthless, driven by ego, lust, and a desperate need for political validation from Rome.
Key Relationships
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Ana: Antipas views Ana not as a person but as a beautiful object to be possessed. He is the embodiment of the patriarchal power that seeks to control her body, her future, and even her image (by commissioning the mosaic). His predatory pursuit is the catalyst for her flight to Egypt and a defining conflict in her search for freedom and selfhood, a central theme of The Search for Self and Personal Longing.
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Matthias: As Antipas's patron, Matthias's relationship with him is built on political expediency. Matthias provides the cunning counsel Antipas needs to maintain control, but their alliance is fragile. Antipas quickly punishes Matthias by demoting him when Ana defies his will, showing that his favor is conditional and self-serving.
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Judas: As the leader of the Zealots, Judas sees Antipas as the ultimate symbol of Roman oppression and Jewish collusion. Antipas, in turn, views Judas as a dangerous rebel who must be neutralized. Their conflict is ideological and violent, representing the wider political turmoil in Galilee.
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Phasaelis and Herodias: Antipas treats his wives as political assets. He marries Phasaelis to secure a border treaty and later plots to divorce her for Herodias, whose royal bloodline he believes will help him secure the title of king. This demonstrates his cold, calculating nature and his view of women as pawns in his schemes.
Defining Moments
Herod Antipas's actions throughout the novel solidify his role as a primary antagonist and a symbol of oppressive power. These moments highlight his cruelty, ambition, and the threat he poses to Ana and those around her.
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The Proposition in the Baths (Chapter 32): After demanding Ana's face for a mosaic, Antipas corners her in the frigidarium and makes his intentions clear. This moment transforms him from a distant ruler into a direct, physical threat.
“I would have you for my concubine.”
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The Capture of Judas (Chapter 24): During Ana's betrothal feast, Antipas has Judas brought in as a prisoner. He uses this moment to publicly humiliate Matthias and assert his dominance, turning a family celebration into a chilling display of power.
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The Execution of John the Immerser (Chapter 30): Lavi reports that Antipas, goaded by Herodias, has beheaded John. This act of cruelty establishes the mortal danger faced by anyone who publicly defies the tetrarch, foreshadowing the fate of Jesus.
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The Order for Ana's Arrest (Chapter 31): After Phasaelis escapes, an enraged Antipas orders Ana's arrest for her role in the plot. This final act of vengeance forces Ana into exile and solidifies Antipas as the architect of her separation from Jesus and her homeland.
Symbolism
Herod Antipas is a powerful symbol of corrupt, worldly authority, standing in direct opposition to the spiritual and compassionate power represented by Jesus. As a lecherous and controlling man, he embodies the oppressive patriarchy that seeks to silence women's voices, a key theme of Feminism and Women's Voices. His lavish, Roman-style palace, built in defiance of Jewish law, symbolizes the cultural and political subjugation of Galilee under a ruler who values personal gain and the favor of an empire over the well-being of his own people.
Essential Quotes
Herod Antipas's words reveal his arrogance, his objectification of women, and his ruthless pursuit of power. These quotes offer insight into his character and his motivations.
He stepped toward me. “Look at this face,” he said to Phasaelis, as if I were a sculpted object to be examined and discussed. (Chapter 26)
This quote highlights Antipas's objectification of Ana, reducing her to a mere object of aesthetic appreciation. He sees her as a possession to be admired and discussed, not as a person with her own thoughts and feelings.
“You will not allow? I’m your tetrarch. One day I will be called King, as my father was. I can force you, if I wish.” (Chapter 26)
This quote reveals Antipas's arrogance and his belief that he is entitled to whatever he desires. He sees his position as tetrarch as a license to exert his will over others, even to the point of using force.
He cupped his hand around my breast and squeezed hard. He said, “The beauty of your face makes me forget your lack of breasts.” (Chapter 27)
This quote is a stark example of Antipas's predatory and objectifying behavior. He reduces Ana to her physical attributes, expressing his entitlement to touch her without consent and making a cruel and demeaning comment about her body.
“Let it be known that my counselor and chief scribe Matthias has not rested in his search for my enemies. Today, he delivered unto me two Zealots, the most vicious of rebels, who have waged transgressions against my government and the government of Rome.” (Chapter 24)
This quote demonstrates Antipas's manipulative use of power and his willingness to exploit those around him. He uses the capture of the Zealots as an opportunity to publicly praise Matthias, but also to assert his dominance and remind everyone of the consequences of defying his rule.