Roman Forum

Rome is a historic and important city that Shelley references repeatedly in her novels. Ethel's interest in the city echoes that of the author.

16. Passage through Rome (253)

"Ethel would willingly have lingered in Florence and Rome; but once south of the Appenines, Edward was eager to reach Naples.” (253)

19. Exploration of Rome (262)

Ethel and Villiers go ahead to Rome for the ‘ceremonies of Passion Week at Rome’

Alone in Rome “The English pair, left to themselves, roamed through the ruins and loitered in the galleries, never weary of the very ocean of beauty and grandeur which they coursed over in their summer bark.” (267)

“[Ethel] had reached the summit of human happiness—she had nothing more to ask; her full heart, not bursting, yet gently overflowing in its bliss, thanked Heaven, and drew nearer Edward, and was at peace.” (267)