Aida - A Close-Up of a Masterpiece

Author: Li Gen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: In "Aida," there are three protagonists: Aida, originally an Ethiopian princess but forced into slavery in Egypt; Radamès, a capable and charming Egyptian young general; and Amneris, the Egyptian princess who is secretly in love with Radamès. This book tells the tragic love story between these three individuals. In the Egyptian palace, Minister Ramphès informs Radamès that Ethiopia is threatening Egypt's security. Shortly after, the Egyptian Pharaoh declares Radamès as the commander-in-chief of the army, and Radamès is determined to marry the beloved slave Aida upon his triumphant return. Amneris, the Egyptian princess, becomes extremely jealous upon learning that Aida and Radamès are in love and subjects Aida to various forms of torment. Upon his victorious return, Radamès discovers that one of the captured prisoners is Aida's father and requests the Pharaoh to release the captives. The Pharaoh grants his request while also announcing the marriage of Amneris and Radamès. The Ethiopian King Ammonasro sends his daughter Aida to Radamès to gather Egyptian military intelligence. To win his love, Aida proposes to Radamès that they run away together. Hesitating between Egypt and Aida, Radamès unintentionally leaks military secrets. At this moment, Amneris, who has been eavesdropping nearby, summons soldiers to arrest Radamès. Amneris promises to spare Radamès if he forgets Aida, but Radamès refuses, and is locked away in a tomb within the temple. Subsequently, Aida also enters the tomb and eternally sleeps alongside Radamès.