Œuvres Complètes De Gustave Flaubert, Tome 2: Salammbô

A historical novel written in the late 19th century. The work is set in ancient Carthage and revolves around the tumultuous events surrounding the Mercenary War, highlighting themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the clash of cultures. The initial chapters introduce a vibrant feast hosted by the Carthaginian general Hamilcar, where a diverse group of soldiers from various nations gather, indicating the brewing tensions that will define the narrative. The opening of the novel vividly describes the lavish banquet in Hamilcar's gardens, filled with soldiers celebrating their victory while reflecting on their grievances against Carthage. As the feast unfolds, the mood shifts from merriment to an unsettling atmosphere of discontent and unrest among the soldiers, who feel underappreciated and underpaid. Tensions escalate when they invite the return of a highly coveted sacred cup owned by a prestigious legion, leading to confrontation and unrest fueled by alcohol and anger. The chapter ends with the ominous presence of Salammbô, Hamilcar's daughter, who becomes a central figure entwined within the fates of the soldiers and the political strife of Carthage, foreshadowing the deep connections between personal desires and the larger conflicts at play.