"The Name of the Rose" is a historical murder mystery novel set in an Italian monastery during the 14th century. The story follows a Franciscan friar, William of Baskerville, who arrives at the monastery with his novice Adso of Melk. Their visit coincides with a theological debate, but soon turns grim as a series of mysterious deaths occur, prompting William to investigate. His keen intellect and methodical approach to deduction drive the narrative as he navigates the complexities of religious conflict and the inner workings of the abbey.
The novel intricately weaves themes of faith, knowledge, and power, exploring the tension between science and religion. William employs logic and reason to uncover the truth, reflecting the era's intellectual struggles. His character embodies enlightenment ideals, contrasting with the superstitions and dogma prevalent in the monastery. The setting itself, a labyrinthine structure filled with books, becomes a symbol of the vastness of human knowledge and its potential threats in the hands of the powerful.