Duncan Long
Assignment #3
During the
year 45 BC, the powerful Roman dictator, Julius Caesar, planned to march his
army towards present day Spain to end the ongoing civil war. The defeat of Pompey’s
son would put an end to the war and more importantly increase the Roman
dictator’s authority within the Senate. The story focuses on the journey of the
slave Felix. Felix is doomed to accompany his brutal master, Titus, during the
campaign.
Titus is a
man of a great reputation and comes from a respected lineage. He was born into the upper class of society as
his dad served in the Senate for many years. Titus’ family does not always
agree with Caesar’s policies and has grown weary of his power. He is a stern
master with little compassion and respect for his slaves. Titus has ordered
Felix to come with him to war. However, Felix is greatly terrified to experience
war and fears his fate will be as Titus’ last slave in Egypt, death. He also
starts to question his life as a slave. He was born a slave and does not see
freedom in his future.
After much
contemplation, Felix decides he must runaway from his tyrant of a master in
search for a better life. He decides to leave everything behind, even his
forbidden lover Calypso. She is the youngest daughter of Titus whom has an
affair with Felix. Felix plans to escape the day before departure while the
family is away at the Forum Julium for the gladiatorial contest. With no money,
possessions, social status, and even destination, Felix embarks on a terrifying
adventure through the Roman Empire in seek of refuge and a new beginning.
If captured
he will surely be put to death by Titus. With his life on the line, Felix will
risk it all in search of the one thing he has longed for his whole life,
freedom.
