Trimalchio Exceeded

 

One of the less likable characters in the Satyricon written by the man we know as Gauis Petronius Arbiter (and there are many unlikable characters in that Latin novel of ancient Rome) is the wealthy freeman--a former slave--called Trimalchio. Trimalchio presides over an absurdly lavish feast featuring a remarkable number of exotic dishes, plainly costly if not palatable,  intended to impress his guests. 

While his guests eat and drink, he pontificates pompously on a number of subjects, including his extensive plans for his very elaborate funeral, portions of which he enacts.  He's arrogant, ostentatious, vulgar, completely without taste or class; the model of a nouveau riche. 

The title character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby is compared to Trimalchio as he's thought to be of the same character, trying to buy friends and his way into high society.  Trimalchio appears at the head of this post as he's shown in Fellini's version of the Satyricon.

Not for the first time, I'm reminded of Trimalchio by the current occupant of the White House.  He's also arrogant, ostentatious and vulgar, but he has exceeded Trimalchio in the extent of his showiness.  Trimalchio's excessive display took place on his own property.  Regrettably, it's the White House that in this case is the scene at which the garish, gaudy show takes place.

Whether it's being made a car dealership showroom, or so cluttered with golden objects, drapes and other hangings, it's walls filled with portraits, as to become something like a turn of the 19th century bordello patronized by rich merchants, the Executive Mansion is transformed into a showcase of crudeness the like of which would fill Trimalchio with awe and envy.  A ballroom is planned as well, it seems, and the historic and traditional Rose Garden is to be paved over and made a patio.

What is remarkable, though, is that it's thought that such gaudiness is the height of good taste and sophistication.  The White House is to become a kind of resort, conference center and wedding venue.  What could be better, or more appropriate, in these times?