Spartacus Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Spartacus Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Kill Zone

As Marcellus paints kill zone targets onto Spartacus the gladiator in training looks over at Varinia. Marcellus notices and tells her to stay where she is and for Spartacus to keep looking at her. He paints a kill zone with red paint on his neck. The symbol is that this is a love that has slain Spartacus.

Garrison Medallion

Crassus has given Marcus Publius Glabrus a medallion made of gold to wear around his neck. It is a symbol of miltary power and command within the Roman legion as he is made garrison with this medal.

Burying a Child

As the former slaves march the countryside towards the see it begins to look like the Exodus. We see two parents burying a child as the people march on behind them. The symbol is that this is a hard journey which takes a physical and emotional toll. And the people who continue to move in the background symbolize the fact that they must keep moving despite the tragedy.

Under One Cloak

Spartacus finds Varinia swimming in a pond. She soon tells him that she is pregnant with his child. He wraps her up under his garment and they both stick their head through the top. The symbol is that this pair has become even more unified and they are now one as they prepare to bring a child into the world.

War

After the battle between the Romans, Spartacus' army and the army from Pompeii we see a battlefield that is completely covered with bodies. Men, women, and children all lay dead. The symbol is that war does not spare anyone. It kills anyone who comes in contact with it.

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