3 Review(s)

The novel is set in the 2nd century AD and follows the life of Marius, a young Roman man who is deeply interested in philosophy, aesthetics, and the pursuit of the beautiful and meaningful in life. It is a coming-of-age story that traces Marius's intellectual and spiritual development as he encounters various philosophical and religious traditions, including Epicureanism and Christianity, while also experiencing the sensual and intellectual pleasures of life.Walter Pater was associated with the Aesthetic Movement, which celebrated the appreciation of beauty and the sensual experience. "Marius the Epicurean" is a reflection of these ideas and explores the tension between a life focused on the pursuit of beauty and pleasure and a life dedicated to higher moral and religious values.The novel is divided into two volumes, and the first volume, as you mentioned, sets the stage for Marius's intellectual and philosophical journey. The second volume continues to explore his character and his interactions with the people and ideas he encounters.Walter Pater's writing is known for its rich prose and philosophical depth, and "Marius the Epicurean" is considered one of his most significant works, reflecting his own ideas on aesthetics and the complexities of human experience in the context of ancient Rome.