The Last Days of Pompeii: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Last Days of Pompeii" explores the lives and interactions of several key characters amid the backdrop of the impending eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Central to the narrative is Glaucus, a handsome Greek who narrowly escapes death in the arena, thanks to the eruption and later the blind flower girl Nydia, who harbors unrequited love for him. Nydia's compassion and bravery shine as she guides Glaucus and Ione, a beautiful Neapolitan girl and Glaucus's love interest, to safety, ultimately sacrificing her own life in the process. Clodius, a foppish Roman and Glaucus's friend, contrasts with the more complex figures like Arbaces, an ambitious priest of Isis who seeks to manipulate those around him, including his ward Apaecides, a boy struggling with his faith. The story is further complicated by the presence of Diomed, a wealthy freedman, and his daughter Julia, who also loves Glaucus, creating a web of unfulfilled desires and tragic circumstances. As the volcanic disaster looms, characters are faced with moral dilemmas and the consequences of their actions, culminating in a dramatic climax that reflects the unpredictability of fate and the fragility of human relationships.
The Last Days of Pompeii: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Edward Bulwer-Lytton
First published: 1834
Genre: Novel
Locale: Pompeii
Plot: Historical
Time: 79 c.e.
Glaucus (GLOH-kuhs), a Glaucus, handsome and popular Greek. He is saved from death in the arena by the eruption of Vesuvius; he is saved from death after the eruption by the blind flower girl Nydia.
Clodius (KLOH-dee-uhs), a foppish Roman of Pompeii and a friend of Glaucus.
Nydia (NIH-dee-uh), a blind flower girl from Greece who is hopelessly in love with Glaucus. Through her ability to move in the darkness, she is able to guide Glaucus and Ione to safety aboard a small ship. Then she drowns herself.
Burbo (BUR-boh), a wine seller and the owner of Nydia.
Arbaces (AHR-buh-seez), priest of Isis, who prays for the return of Egypt's power. Meanwhile, he tries to turn his ward Apaecides into a priest and to marry the boy's sister, Ione. He stabs Apaecides and puts the blame on Glaucus, who is then condemned to the arena.
Apaecides (uh-PEE-sih-deez), the ward of Arbaces, converted to Christianity by an earthquake.
Ione (i-OH-nee), a lovely Neapolitan girl, seen and loved by Glaucus.
Diomed (DI-oh-mehd), a wealthy freedman.
Julia (JEWL-yuh), his daughter, in love with Glaucus.
A priest, a witness to the innocence of Glaucus but held prisoner by Arbaces.
Sallust (SA-luhst), a friend of Glaucus, but too drunk to answer Nydia's letter for help. Finally, his appeal to the praetor at the arena causes the crowd to demand that Arbaces be thrown to the lion; before this can take place, however, the fatal earthquake begins.