Thrill-seekers and lovers of Gothic novels, today we delve into one of the most intriguing enigmas in literature: Who killed Adso of Melk?
For those unfamiliar, Adso of Melk is a young Benedictine novice who accompanies the Franciscan friar William of Baskerville in his investigation of a series of murders that plague a medieval abbey in Umberto Eco’s novel “The Name of the Rose”.
The death of Adso, an endearing and curious character, shocks readers and becomes the central axis of the plot. Throughout the story, Baskerville, with his keen intelligence and deduction, embarks on a relentless quest for the truth, unraveling the abbey’s darkest secrets and confronting sinister and enigmatic characters.
Who killed Adso of Melk?
Theories are diverse and have sparked endless debates among fans of the novel. Some point to the papal envoy Bernardo Gui, a ruthless man obsessed with eradicating heresy. Others suspect the librarian Jorge de Burgos, a jealous old man and guardian of a forbidden book that could be the key to the mystery.
William of Baskerville, with his analytical mind and deep knowledge of theology and philosophy, discards false leads and ties up loose ends until he reaches a surprising conclusion. The murderer, far from being an outsider, is found within the abbey walls itself, hidden among the multitude of monks and novices.
The resolution of the case
It is as shocking as it is unexpected, revealing a plot of power, ambition, and unconfessable secrets. “The Name of the Rose” not only offers us a gripping mystery novel but also invites us to reflect on themes such as censorship, intolerance, and the search for truth in a world dominated by darkness.
If you haven’t read “The Name of the Rose” yet, we encourage you to do so. It is a masterpiece of literature that will captivate you from the first page and keep you in suspense until the very end. And if you have already read it, we invite you to revisit it to discover new details and perhaps find the answer to the question that still haunts many readers: Who killed Adso of Melk?
The Name of the Rose in Film
Umberto Eco’s famous novel, The Name of the Rose, was adapted to film in 1986, directed by Frenchman Jean-Jacques Annaud. The film was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the best film adaptations of a literary work.
Highlights of the film “The Name of the Rose”
- Faithfulness to the novel: The film remains faithful to the plot and main characters of the novel, respecting the essence of Eco’s work.
- Cast: The cast is headed by two great actors: Sean Connery as Friar William of Baskerville and Christian Slater as his young assistant, Adso of Melk. Both actors give excellent performances that contribute to the success of the film.
- Atmosphere: The film masterfully recreates the medieval atmosphere of the abbey where the story takes place. The photography, music, and set design are key elements that help transport the viewer to the 14th century.
- Reflections: Like the novel, the film invites reflection on themes such as faith, reason, truth, and power.
If you enjoyed the novel, I highly recommend watching the film. It’s an excellent way to relive the story and enjoy the performances of Sean Connery and Christian Slater.
Here are some additional facts about the film:
- Release year: 1986
- Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
- Screenplay: Giacomo Campiotti, H.M. Enzensberger, and Richard Pey
- Music: James Horner
- Cinematography: Tonino Delli Colli
- Cast: Sean Connery, Christian Slater, F. Murray Abraham, Helmut Qualtinger, Elya Bashkarova, William Forsythe, Harald Brockhaus
Dare you enter the mysteries of the abbey and discover the truth behind the crime?
