The Last days of Pompeii: How a Novel Shaped the Way We See Pompeii
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through the ancient streets of Pompeii, you might owe part of that dream to a 19th-century novel that shaped how the world views this historic city.
Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s The Last Days of Pompeii not only captivated readers of its time but also fundamentally influenced our cultural imagination of the city frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius’s eruption.
Published in 1834, this best-selling novel masterfully blended vivid storytelling with meticulous historical detail, transporting readers to the final days of Pompeii before its tragic destruction.
Bulwer-Lytton’s work brought ancient Roman society to life, with its bustling markets, grand villas, and intricate social dynamics, offering a glimpse into a world that had long fascinated historians and artists alike.
Briullov’s Canvas and Its Influence
Before penning his famous novel, Edward Bulwer-Lytton encountered a masterpiece that would forever shape his narrative. Karl Briullov’s striking painting, depicting the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, was on display in Milan.
The painting, teeming with dramatic imagery of terrified figures and toppling statues, left an indelible mark on Bulwer-Lytton. He was particularly moved by the pathos of a mother and her infant amidst the chaos, a scene that permeated his emotional tone throughout the novel.
Visual experiences often leave a lasting impression, and for Bulwer-Lytton, Briullov’s canvas did more than inspire; it ignited his imagination. The dramatic representation of Vesuvius’ eruption gave him a compelling emotional and visual template for his narrative, making his portrayal of Pompeii’s final days both gripping and heart-wrenching.
Transition from Art to Narrative
Bulwer-Lytton didn’t merely echo artistic depictions of nameless figures caught in calamity; he wove a detailed narrative with complex characters. The plot of ” The last days of Pompeii” centers around two Greeks, Glaucus and Ione, whose love story unfolds against the backdrop of Pompeii’s impending doom.
Key players include the sinister priest Arbaces and the jealous Julia, who conspire against the lovers. Glaucus is falsely accused of murder, faces a lion in the amphitheater, and is ultimately saved by the eruption of Vesuvius. Meanwhile, the blind Nydia, who harbors unrequited love for Glaucus, plays a pivotal role in guiding them to safety.
This intricate plot, filled with romance, betrayal, and heroism, transformed the ancient city from mere ruins into a vibrant world inhabited by dynamic characters. Readers could easily visualize themselves navigating through the bustling streets and grand villas, experiencing the drama and emotions of Pompeii’s last days.
Archaeological Details and Inspirations
What sets The Last Days of Pompeii apart from other historical novels is its painstaking attention to archaeological detail. Bulwer-Lytton went to great lengths to incorporate authentic elements into his story. For instance, the house of Glaucus was modeled after the recently uncovered “House of the Tragic Poet.”
Bulwer-Lytton drew extensively from Sir William Gell’s works, particularly Pompeiana: the Topography, Edifices, and Ornaments of Pompeii. He even dedicated the novel to Gell, who expressed admiration for the book’s accurate representation of Pompeii’s inhabitants.
This dedication to authenticity not only lent credibility to the narrative but also enriched the reader’s experience by grounding the story in real historical contexts.
Narrative Technique and Guidebook Elements
Bulwer-Lytton’s narrative technique is unique in that it seamlessly integrates guidebook-like descriptions within the storyline. His detailed account of Pompeii’s buildings and artifacts often includes footnotes that mirror contemporary guidebooks.
These elements serve a dual purpose: they enhance the reader’s visualization of Pompeii and provide a wealth of historical information. By incorporating these detailed descriptions, Bulwer-Lytton not only enriched his narrative but also positioned his novel as an informative resource for actual visitors to the ruins.
This blend of fiction and factual description made the book a useful companion for those wanting to explore Pompeii in real life.
Influence of “The last days of Pompeii” on Visitors and Guidebooks
The novel significantly influenced how tourists experienced Pompeii. Visitors began to seek out locations mentioned in The Last Days of Pompeii, such as Ione’s house and Julia’s room in Diomed’s villa.
Guidebooks of the time, including those by George Augustus Sala and Baedeker, incorporated references to Bulwer-Lytton’s settings. This integration of the novel’s locales into actual guidebooks further blurred the lines between fiction and reality.
The novel became an essential companion for tourists, shaping their perceptions and enhancing their emotional connection to Pompeii. It wasn’t just ruins they were visiting; it was a city brought to life through the power of storytelling.
Personalizing the Pompeii Experience
One fascinating aspect of the novel’s legacy is the publication of loose-leaf editions by Tauchnitz, which allowed visitors to customize their reading experience. Tourists could insert photographs and postcards within the novel before having it bound, creating personalized souvenirs of their visit.
This practice of personalizing the book underscored its role in memorializing the Pompeii experience. It transformed the novel into a tangible keepsake, a physical reminder of the emotional and historical journey through the ancient city.
Blurring Fiction and Reality
Bulwer-Lytton didn’t just blur the lines between fiction and reality in his novel; he actively encouraged it in real life. He displayed purported skulls of his characters, Arbaces and Calenus, in his study. This intertwining of narrative and archaeological detail left a lasting impression on readers and visitors alike.
By merging fictional characters with real historical artifacts, Bulwer-Lytton made Pompeii a vivid, living place in the minds of his audience. His detailed descriptions and emotional resonance brought the ancient city to life, bridging the gap between past and present in a way few other works have achieved.
Conclusion
The Last Days of Pompeii by Bulwer-Lytton is a significant work of historical fiction that has greatly influenced our cultural and historical perception of Pompeii. By blending art, archaeological detail, and narrative, it provides an immersive reading experience.
The novel enriches both the literary world and our understanding of the ancient city. Ideal for history enthusiasts and travelers, it offers a compelling mix of fact and fiction, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Pompeii. Consider reading the novel or visiting the site to explore its enduring impact.