The Triumph of Death

"The Triumph of Death" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel that explores the difficulties of love and the distress it causes. The story follows George and Hippolyte as they deal with love, jealousy, and a fear of being betrayed, all while facing the reality that life doesn't last forever. The book starts with a sad scene where George and Hippolyte see people watching a suicide. After they leave, the two characters have a conversation that shows how complicated their relationship is, filled with distrust and worry. The story goes back and forth between their reflections on love to George's internal battles with jealousy and a heavy sense of dread, setting the stage for a tale about the weight of love and death.