Throughout St. Augustine's Confessions the struggle of one man between the true path of God and his own personal (specifically sexual) desires are depicted. It is evident that Alypius is Augustine's closest friend when he resides in Milan. The events that occur to his dear friend Alypius in Book 6 Chapter VIII can be paralleled to Augustine's own journey towards enlightenment. The situation in this particular passage has a hidden meaning about Augustine's own insight towards an individuals' faith in God. Through a close reading of the text, it is clear that Augustine uses this excerpt to show that the only way to have courage strong enough to withstand the pressures of life is to put your faith in God.
             The passage from St. Augustine's Confessions Book 6 Chapter VIII, begins with Augustine describing how his friend Alypius felt about the gladiatorial shows that took place in Rome. Saying that he "...utterly detested them" (Book 6 Chapter VIII). Right from the start, Augustine establishes a foundation that shows the reader how much Alypius hates these "...cruel and murderous Games" (Book 6 Chapter VIII). The reader would then conclude that if Alypius felt so strongly about the gladiatorial games that he would act according to these emotions in any given situation. A little further down in the passage, Alypius is in fact put into a situation that would test his restraint. Unfortunately though, Alypius fails.
             When a group of Alypius' friends come along to take him to the Games, Alypius' first reaction is to resist. And when those friends manage to get him to go, Alypius states that, "Though there, I shall not be there, and so I shall defeat both you and it" (Book 6 Chapter VIII). Alypius is saying here, that although he might be physically in the arena he will not allow his mind's eye to fall into the gruesome
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