What would you like to read?Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
What would you like to read?Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
1895
Henryk Sienkiewicz
1895
A historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative is set in ancient Rome during the time of Emperor Nero, focusing on themes of love, conflict, and moral dilemmas. The main characters introduced in the opening include Petronius, a refined Roman aristocrat, and his young friend, Marcus Vinicius, both of whom navigate the complexities of a society embroiled in decadence and political intrigue. The opening of the novel presents Petronius awakening from a weary night of feasting, hinting at the opulence and hedonism of his life as ''the king of elegance.'' Shortly after, he is visited by Marcus Vinicius, who shares with Petronius his infatuation with a beautiful woman named Ligeia whom he has seen in the house of a Roman nobleman. The dialogue reveals Marcus's struggle with his feelings of love and desire, setting the stage for the intertwining of personal passions against the backdrop of a tumultuous Rome. As these characters discuss love, beauty, and the intricacies of their world, the tone of the narrative foreshadows deeper moral conflicts to come.
