The novel "Spartacus" is the most famous work of the Italian prose writer Raffaello Giovagnoli. It was written in 1874, after 6 years it was translated into Russian. The book is dedicated to the real historical character, the gladiator Spartacus, who in 74 BC stood at the head of the slave rebellion.
The author of the novel
The novel "Spartacus" has become the most famous work of Giovanyoli. With this historical work, the writer opened a whole series of works devoted to the history of Ancient Rome.
It is worth noting that in his work the author of the novel "Spartak" invariably adhered to a romantic tradition. Influence on him had Dumas father and Walter Scott. Giovagnoli is not only a writer, but also a historian who belonged to the democratic and liberal intelligentsia. Many were then imbued with heroic pathos, the actions of Garibaldi.
Now you know who wrote the novel Spartak. Giovagnoli was very interested in the uprising of Spartacus. After all, the final idea of the gladiator was the liberation of his homeland, Thrace, which at that time was under the protectorate of Rome. For Giovagnoli, this motive has not lost relevance and topicality. For example, the technique of conspiracy among the gladiators was similar to that of the Italian carbonarians. As a result, Giovagnoli places emphasis on the social essence of the Spartacus rebellion, portraying as obvious utopians all those who are limited exclusively to the nationalist ideal.
The novel "Spartak" in Russia
In our country, this work has been censored. At the beginning of the 20th century, the novel was printed exclusively in an abridged version, only as an adventure story for teens.
After 1905, he began to be published in abridged versions, along with "Notes by Lorenzo Benoni" and "Gadfly". Only after the fall of the tsarist regime did it begin to be printed in its entirety.
Interestingly, in the Soviet Union, another Giovanyoli novel, Messalina, was popular. It tells about the reign of the Roman emperor Caligula.
Therefore, most Soviet schoolchildren knew very well who wrote the work "Spartak".
Lyrical motives
In his work, Giovanyoli used not only real historical characters, but also a large number of fictional ones, for example, actively introducing romantic lines. In particular, about the relationship between the main character and the patrician Valeria, the birth of their daughter.
In general, Spartak is popular with women. The Greek courtesan Eutibida is in love with him, but Spartak categorically rejects her. Offended Eutibida betrays her lover. According to the author’s intention, this plays a significant role in the death of the hero and the defeat of the entire uprising.
The author also pays much attention to the relationship between the Gallic gladiator Artorix and Spartak’s sister named Mirtza, who was previously a slave.
Spartak loves Valeria so much that he is ready for her to begin negotiations even with his worst enemies, is considering the option of ending the uprising. The book ends with the defeat of the uprising and the assassination of Spartacus, as it actually happened.
Summary
The action of the novel "Spartacus" (Giovanyoli) begins in Rome in 78 BC. The dictator Sulla retires, arranging at the end of the grandiose battles between the gladiators.
The attention of everyone around is attracted by the gladiator Spartak, who is distinguished by his courage. He is a Thracian who defeats seven consecutive Samnites. Matron Valery turns to Sulla with a request to grant Spartak freedom, which he immediately agrees to.
The protagonist begins to form a conspiracy of gladiators, he wants to raise a large-scale rebellion, with the help of which he will try to crush all the rule of Rome.
Meanwhile, Valeria becomes the wife of Sulla. However, she enters into a secret relationship with Rudiarius, who heads the gladiatorial school.
The Greek woman Eutibida also falls in love with Spartacus, who, as soon as she finds out about his connection with Valeria, wants to tell Sulla about this, but does not have time to do this, as the dictator dies suddenly.
Spartak manages to initiate a conspiracy. He sacrifices his love and moves to Capua, where he leads the gladiatorial school.
Informer
In addition to the noble heroes, in the novel "Spartacus" there are enough traitors. An actor and a drunkard named Metrobius learns about the plans of the gladiators, decides to tell Caesar everything. He meets the main character, trying to prove that his idea is hopeless.
At this time, the messengers convey information about the upcoming revolt, the city authorities have time to prevent it, the uprising is failing. Spartacus, left with a handful of loyal supporters, leaves in the direction of Vesuvius. Servilian stands are storming his position, but Spartacus is defeated by a detachment of Romans.
Inspired by his success, gladiators begin to flock to him. From Rome arrives a detachment of Claudius Glabr, which blocks the army of Spartacus. It is not possible to break through force, then the gladiators embody the bold plan of their leader, risking their lives, descend to the very bottom of the abyss. They are in the rear and defeat the enemy.
Spartak wins some more convincing victories, being stronger than Publius Varius and praetor Anfidiy Orest. Here the Greek woman Eutibida tells him about her feelings, he refuses her, but she decides to destroy him.
Rebellion is gaining momentum
To expand the scope of his rebellion, Spartacus invites Patrician Catilina to lead the army of gladiators. But the scout, whom Eutibides sends, kills the emissary from the protagonist.
The second emissary reaches the patrician, but he fails to convince him to support the gladiators. Then Spartak decides to go to the Alps. To meet him, the troops of the consuls Lentulus Claudian and Gellius Publikola leave. Eutibida, whose anger does not abate, persuades the German Enomai, who himself is in love with her, to leave Spartak's army. As a result, the 10 thousandth detachment of Germans almost completely dies. He is destroyed by the army of Hell.
Spartak manages to defeat the consuls, and then praetor Cassius. The path to Gaul is freed, but the gladiators do not want to leave Italy, demanding that their leader lead the campaign against Rome. Spartak is forced to agree.
The denouement of the novel
The work "Spartacus" ends with the praetor Mark Crassus from Sicily receiving official powers to defeat the gladiators, for which he is gathering a large army.
After another betrayal of Eutibida, Crassus smashes the 30,000th Crixus corps. Spartacus is trying to leave for Sicily, but the pirates betray him without providing ships.
Several battles take place between the forces of Spartacus and Crassus, the army of Pompey arrives to help. The main character is actually in a hopeless situation, but refuses the offer to surrender, starting the general battle.
The Romans are much larger, they defeat the gladiators in a decisive battle. Spartak himself dies on the battlefield.