by Conan Doyle · Cluster: Historical Novel · War and its Cost · Honour and Chivalry

Abstract

A volume of historical ‘impressions and tales’ ranging from the destruction of Carthage’s last fleet by Rome, to Nero’s rigged singing contest at Olympia, to a Christian slave’s martyrdom under Domitian, plus eight independent short stories. Doyle uses vivid historical vignettes to dramatize the rise and fall of empires as a warning parable for Britain.

Capitoli / Chapters

Readability (prose)6.9 Flesch ease26.3 FK grade27.8 Fog13% complex56.4 words/sent

Connections

Forms & Genres: Short Story, Historical Novel Themes & Concepts: Empire and Imperialism, War and its Cost, Fate and Free Will, Power and Corruption, Faith and Doubt, Justice Right and Wrong, History Motifs: Ship, Sea, Fire, Blood, Time, Sea and Voyage Historical References: Ancient Rome, Roman History, Carthage, Christianity Settings: Ancient Rome, Africa Archetypes: Tyrant, Martyr Saint, Avenger Topoi: Sic Transit Gloria Mundi, Fortune’s Wheel