Messer Marco Polo: Analysis of Major Characters
"Messer Marco Polo: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and cultural dynamics surrounding the notable Venetian traveler, Marco Polo, and his experiences in China. Central to the narrative is Golden Bells, the daughter of Kubla Khan, who becomes Marco's beloved. Initially inspired by her beauty and his mission to convert her to Christianity, Marco ultimately finds true love with Golden Bells, leading to a brief yet profound marriage that is tragically cut short by her death.
The story also features key characters such as Kubla Khan, the emperor who invites Marco as a Christian missionary, and Li Po, the court poet who supports their love. The narrative introduces Nicholas and Matthew Polo, Marco's father and uncle, who accompany him on his journey under the guise of a religious mission. Sanang, the court magician, plays a pivotal role by rescuing Marco and later connecting him to Golden Bells through a vision after her death. This overview highlights themes of love, cultural exchange, and the complexities of faith, inviting readers to reflect on the rich tapestry of human relationships in a historical context.
Messer Marco Polo: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Donn Byrne
First published: 1921
Genre: Novel
Locale: Venice and China
Plot: Exotic
Time: Thirteenth century
Marco Polo, the famous Venetian traveler. Told by a Chinese sea captain of the beauty of Golden Bells, he falls in love with his image of her. He imagines it his duty to convert the Chinese princess to Christianity. After he goes to China, the girl is his only convert. She and Marco fall in love and are happily married for three years; then Golden Bells dies. Marco stays with Kubla Khan for fourteen more years, but finally jealousy in the emperor's court forces him to leave. He will not go, however, until Golden Bells appears in a vision and pleads with him not to remain and risk his life. He departs sadly from China, the land of his beloved.
Golden Bells, the daughter of Kubla Khan, emperor of China. Told of Marco Polo's plight on the wide desert, she asks the court magician to save the young man and bring him to her father's court. She falls in love with Marco Polo, and the two live happily married for three years until her death. Although she becomes Marco Polo's only convert to Christianity, she cannot believe what she is told of sin; she does not wish to be convinced that feminine beauty is sinful.
Nicholas and Matthew Polo, Marco Polo's father and uncle, respectively. They take young Marco with them to China, ostensibly as a Christian missionary sent by the pope.
Kubla Khan, the emperor of China. It is at his request that Marco Polo, as a Christian missionary, goes to China.
Li Po, the court poet at the court of Kubla Khan. He is friendlytoGoldenBellsandtoMarcoPolo.
Sanang, the court magician of Kubla Khan. He effects the rescue of Marco Polo from the desert at Golden Bells' request. Later, it is he who furnishes Marco Polo with a vision of the long-dead Golden Bells.