A Book And A Movie: SPARTACUS

Abstract

Howard Fast's 1952 novel "Spartacus" is one of the most important works of dialectical historical fiction. Through Spartacus, Fast conveys the millennia-long struggle for human liberation. Living freely is an indispensable human desire, and fighting for it is a characteristic of humanity. When asked where to flee, Spartacus replied, "We will not flee; we will go from farm to farm, from house to house. Wherever we go, we will free the slaves. They will send soldiers after us again, and we will fight. If the whole world belongs to Rome, then we will destroy Rome." During the four-year slave rebellion, approximately fifty thousand slaves under Spartacus' command defeated the Roman armies five times. This largest known slave rebellion in history ultimately ended with the killing of over sixty thousand slaves and the crucifixion of another six thousand. Director Stanley Kubrick adapted the film in 1960, starring Kirk Douglas. The 188-minute film, written by Dalton Trumbo, earned Peter Ustinov an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Batiatus. The novel "Spartacus," adapted for the screen with remarkable success under the circumstances of its time, will never be forgotten, and history will always remember these freedom fighters with respect.