The Gadfly

Summary

The Gadfly, a novel written by Ethel Voynich in 1897, tells the story of a young Italian named Arthur Burton, who adopts the pseudonym Felice. The plot unfolds in 1840s Italy, against the backdrop of the country's struggle for independence from Austrian rule. The protagonist, inspired by ideals of freedom and justice, joins the revolutionary movement. However, after being betrayed by a friend and cruelly deceived by the Catholic Church, he is captured and tortured. For many years, he lives under various aliases, driven by a desire for revenge and the exposure of the Church's hypocrisy. The story encompasses many aspects: love, betrayal, disillusionment, a thirst for vengeance, and the spiritual transformation of the main character, who becomes a renowned revolutionary agitator, inspiring the people to fight for freedom. The novel is marked by high moral ideals and raises important social and political questions of its time.