Download Antonina; or, The Fall of Rome by Wilkie Collins. Available in PDF, EPUB, and MOBI formats. Enjoy a summary, excerpt, and related recommendations.
Antonina; or, The Fall of Rome Summary
Antonina; or, The Fall of Rome is Wilkie Collins's first published novel, set during the 5th century Gothic invasion of Rome. The story intertwines historical events with fictional characters, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the clash between paganism and Christianity.
Antonina; or, The Fall of Rome Excerpt
Short Summary: Set against the backdrop of the Gothic siege of Rome, the novel follows Antonina, a young Roman maiden, as she navigates love and danger amidst the city's turmoil.
"In the suburbs of Rome, under the shadow of the impending Gothic invasion, a young maiden named Antonina lived a life of seclusion and innocence. Her father, Numerian, a stern Christian, had shielded her from the decadence of the city, fostering in her a love for music and virtue. Unbeknownst to Numerian, Antonina's curiosity about the world beyond their walls grew with each passing day.
One evening, lured by the distant sounds of revelry, Antonina ventured into the heart of Rome. The city's grandeur and vice unfolded before her eyes, a stark contrast to her sheltered existence. Amidst the chaos, she encountered the nobleman Vetranio, who, captivated by her beauty and naivety, offered her protection. However, it was the Gothic warrior, Hermanric, who truly won her heart. Torn between her Roman heritage and her love for the 'barbarian', Antonina faced an inner turmoil as fierce as the battles raging outside the city.
As the Goths, led by Alaric, laid siege to Rome, the city's inhabitants grappled with famine, betrayal, and despair. Within the walls, the fanaticism of figures like Ulpius, a pagan determined to restore the old gods, clashed with the rising tide of Christianity. Antonina's father, Numerian, found his faith tested as he confronted the realities of war and his daughter's defiance.
Amidst the turmoil, Antonina and Hermanric's forbidden love blossomed, symbolizing the possibility of unity between warring cultures. Yet, their path was fraught with peril. Goisvintha, Hermanric's vengeful sister, harbored a deep-seated hatred for Rome and sought to destroy anyone associated with it. Her wrath threatened to engulf Antonina, leading to a confrontation that would test the lovers' resilience and commitment.
The novel reaches its climax as the Goths breach Rome's defenses. The once-mighty city succumbs to chaos, and its citizens face the consequences of their hubris and moral decay. In the midst of the destruction, Antonina and Hermanric must navigate a world where love and hope struggle to survive against the backdrop of war and fanaticism.
Wilkie Collins weaves a tale that not only captures the historical significance of Rome's fall but also delves into the personal stories of those caught in its wake. Through Antonina's journey, readers explore themes of love transcending cultural boundaries, the conflict between old and new beliefs, and the enduring human spirit in times of adversity."
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