The Cabala
by Thornton Wilder (1897–1975)
- Free to read
- 3 hours to read
- 5 chapters
- Reading level: 7th grade
"The Cabala" by Thornton Wilder is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set primarily in Rome and introduces a tapestry of characters embroiled in social intrigue, particularly focusing on a mysterious and elite group referred to as the Cabala. The main characters include a young American named James Blair, who becomes entangled in the lives of these affluent intellectuals, and his enigmatic companion, Miss Grier, who plays a pivotal role in the circles of influence in which they revolve. At the start of the novel, the protagonist arrives in Rome, overwhelmed by the city's rich history, only to find himself on a crowded train filled with a diverse array of passengers, each with their own stories. As he settles into his life in the city with guidance from Blair, he learns about the Cabala—a wealthy, powerful group that garners both admiration and fear from the society around them. The intriguing dynamics of this group are unveiled through conversations and interactions, suggesting that their influence extends into the political and social realms, yet they also face internal struggles and existential boredom. The opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of themes related to wealth, power, and the search for meaning within the influential echelons of society.
- Upper class
- Rome (Italy) · Social life and customs · 20th century
- Americans · Italy
Read the opening
Book One: First Encounters
The train that first carried me into Rome was late, overcrowded and cold. There had been several unexplained waits in an open field, and midnight found us still moving slowly across the Campagna toward the faintly-colored clouds that hung above Rome. At intervals we stopped at platforms where flaring lamps lit up for a moment some splendid weather-moulded head. Darkness surrounded these platforms, save for glimpses of a road and the dim outlines of a mountain ridge. It was Virgil's country and there was a wind that seemed to rise from the fields and descend upon us in a long Virgilian sigh, for the land that has inspired sentiment in the poet ultimately receives its sentiment from him.
The train was overcrowded, because some tourists had discovered on the previous day that the beggars of Naples smelt of carbolic acid. They concluded at once that the authorities had struck a case or two of Indian cholera and were disinfecting the underworld by a system of enforced baths. The air of Naples generates legend. In the sudden exodus tickets for Rome became all but unprocurable, and First Class tourists rode Third, and interesting people rode First.
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About this edition
This free edition of The Cabala by Thornton Wilder comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #68105, released 2022-05-17. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Novels, American Literature.
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