the last days of pompeii book review

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The last days of pompeii, by e bulwer lytton, recommendations from our site.

“It didn’t teach us much about the science of volcanoes but it taught us the aphorism that man lives on this planet subject to geological consent which can be withdrawn at any time.” Read more...

The best books on Volcanoes

Simon Winchester , Journalist

“Well, I’ve been drawn into this, partly because I’ve been writing about Pompeii. But also there is this incredible influence it has on anyone studying Pompeii. It’s the classic Pompeii disaster story everybody replays when they write about Pompeii. When he went to Pompeii it was a ruin. These days they’ve done a lot of work on it. What Lytton did was build it up layer by layer. And what you get is a fantastic reconstruction of the ancient world. Christians who are going to escape, the nasty priest of Isis, the sacrifices and the gladiators. The cultural backwash that came out of it was extraordinary. The characters, statues, movies.” Read more...

The best books on Ancient History in Modern Life

Mary Beard , Classicist

The Last Days of Pompeii was a 19th century bestselling historical novel recommended to us by Cambridge classics professor and TV personality Mary Beard. “What you get is a fantastic reconstruction of the ancient world,” she says in her interview on books about ancient history in modern life .

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The Last Days of Pompeii by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton

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Edward Bulwer Lytton

Step into the ancient city of Pompeii in Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s captivating novel , “The Last Days of Pompeii.” Through a mesmerizing blend of historical fiction , vivid imagery , and dramatic irony , Bulwer-Lytton transports readers to a vibrant world on the brink of destruction. With his skilled use of foreshadowing , symbolism , and powerful descriptive language, he immerses us in the lives of unforgettable characters, their loves, ambitions, and the tragic fate that awaits them. Brace yourself for a gripping tale of love, treachery, and the devastating forces of nature. “The Last Days of Pompeii” is a literary masterpiece that brings ancient history to life, leaving readers spellbound until the final page.

• Love and Desire : The theme of love and desire is central to the story, with characters experiencing both passionate and forbidden love, exploring the complexities of human relationships.
• Fate and Destiny : The novel delves into the theme of fate and destiny, as characters navigate their predetermined paths and face the consequences of their choices and actions.
• Social Class and Power : The theme of social class and power is explored through the stark divisions between the wealthy and the poor, highlighting the struggles and inequalities within Pompeian society.
• Morality and Ethics : The novel examines questions of morality and ethics, as characters grapple with their own moral compasses, face moral dilemmas, and confront the consequences of their actions.
• Destruction and Catastrophe : The impending destruction of Pompeii by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius looms over the narrative , exploring the theme of inevitable disaster and the frailty of human existence.
• Religion and Superstition : The novel delves into the religious beliefs and superstitions of ancient Pompeii, highlighting the influence of gods, goddesses, and ancient rituals on the characters’ lives.
• Culture and Civilization : The theme of culture and civilization is depicted through the rich tapestry of Pompeian life, including art, literature, entertainment, and the customs and traditions of the time.
• Betrayal and Loyalty : The novel explores the themes of betrayal and loyalty as characters navigate conflicting loyalties, face betrayal from trusted individuals, and grapple with the consequences of their allegiances.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

• Foreshadowing : Foreshadowing is employed throughout the novel to hint at the impending disaster of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption, creating a sense of anticipation and impending doom.
• Symbolism : Symbolism is used to represent abstract ideas through tangible objects or actions. For example, the volcanic eruption symbolizes the destructive forces of nature and the inevitable fate of Pompeii.
• Dramatic Irony : The novel employs dramatic irony , where the readers possess knowledge that the characters do not, heightening the suspense and tension.
• Imagery : Vivid imagery is used to describe the bustling streets of Pompeii, the lavish costumes, and the chaotic aftermath of the eruption, allowing readers to visualize the scenes and immerse themselves in the narrative .
• Allusion : Allusions to ancient myths, legends, and historical events add depth and context to the story, connecting the events in Pompeii to broader cultural and historical references.
• Dialogue : Dialogue is utilized to reveal character traits, advance the plot , and convey information. It brings the characters to life and adds authenticity to their interactions.
• Parallelism : Parallelism is employed to create balance and rhythm in sentences and paragraphs, emphasizing certain ideas or themes and enhancing the overall flow of the narrative .
• Flashbacks : Flashbacks are used to provide background information about the characters, revealing their past experiences and motivations, and adding depth to their actions and decisions.
• Irony : Irony is employed to create contrasts between what is expected and what actually occurs. It adds a layer of complexity and depth to the story, often with a touch of dark humor.
• Personification : Personification is used to attribute human characteristics to non-human elements, bringing inanimate objects or natural phenomena to life. For example, the description of Mount Vesuvius as a brooding, ominous presence.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

• Foreshadowing

What are some literary devices used in the novel “The Last Days of Pompeii”?

“The Last Days of Pompeii” incorporates various literary devices to enhance its storytelling. Some notable devices used in the novel include foreshadowing , symbolism , dramatic irony , imagery , and allusion .

How does foreshadowing create suspense in the novel?

Foreshadowing in “The Last Days of Pompeii” hints at the impending disaster of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption. It builds anticipation and suspense, as readers are aware of the impending doom while the characters remain unaware, intensifying the emotional impact of the events.

Can you provide an example of symbolism in the novel?

Symbolism is used in “The Last Days of Pompeii” to represent abstract ideas through tangible objects or actions. For instance, the volcanic eruption symbolizes the destructive forces of nature and the inevitable fate of Pompeii.

How does dramatic irony enhance the reader’s experience?

The use of dramatic irony in “The Last Days of Pompeii” creates a gap in knowledge between the readers and the characters. Readers have insights and knowledge about the imminent disaster that the characters lack, creating tension and heightening the emotional impact of the events.

How does imagery contribute to the storytelling?

Imagery in “The Last Days of Pompeii” uses descriptive language to paint vivid pictures of the bustling streets, lavish costumes, and chaotic aftermath of the eruption. It immerses readers in the scenes, evoking emotions and bringing the story to life in their imagination.

How does the novel incorporate allusions to ancient myths and legends?

“The Last Days of Pompeii” includes allusions to ancient myths, legends, and historical events. These allusions add depth and context to the story, connecting the events in Pompeii to broader cultural and historical references, and enriching the readers’ understanding of the narrative .

What role does dialogue play in the novel?

Dialogue in “The Last Days of Pompeii” serves multiple purposes. It reveals character traits, advances the plot , and conveys important information. It brings the characters to life, adds authenticity to their interactions, and contributes to the development of the story.

How does irony contribute to the overall tone of the novel?

Irony in “The Last Days of Pompeii” creates contrasts between expectations and reality. It adds complexity, depth, and sometimes dark humor to the story, heightening the reader’s engagement and providing insights into the characters and their experiences.

Can you give an example of personification in the novel?

Personification is employed in “The Last Days of Pompeii” to attribute human characteristics to non-human elements. For instance, Mount Vesuvius is described as brooding or menacing, giving it human-like qualities and adding to the overall atmosphere of impending danger.

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The Last Days of Pompeii

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The Last Days of Pompeii

Classics illustrated , edward bulwer-lytton , william b. jones jr.  ( contributor ) ...more.

48 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2012

About the author

Classics Illustrated

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