Author

August von Kotzebue

1761-1819

August von Kotzebue (1761-1819) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.

Subjects

Books by August von Kotzebue

Lovers' Vows

"Lovers' Vows" by August von Kotzebue and Mrs. Inchbald is a play adapted and published in 1798. When a destitute mother reunites with her soldier son, he learns the shocking truth about his birth and his father's broken promise. Meanwhile, Baron Wildenhaim faces his own romantic dilemmas with his daughter while wrestling with the guilt of his past. A desperate act brings these storylines together, forcing confrontations about honor, forgiveness, and the consequences of choices made long ago.

The Stranger: A Drama, in Five Acts

"The Stranger: A Drama, in Five Acts" by August von Kotzebue is a theatrical play written in the early 19th century. The play unfolds within a German setting and revolves around complex themes of love, betrayal, and the societal repercussions of infidelity. The main character, referred to as the Stranger, embodies a deep sense of sorrow and misanthropy, while also displaying moments of compassion, especially towards those affected by societal hardships. The opening of the drama introduces us to various characters, including the Stranger and Francis, as they discuss their views on humanity and the nature of kindness. The Stranger's disdain for society is evident as he engages in conversation about an old man's plight, emphasizing his reluctance to help due to a strong skepticism of human nature. This dialogue sets the stage for the themes of emotional suffering and alienation, which are further explored through glimpses into the lives of other characters, including Mrs. Haller, who appears mournful and carries a hidden past. The tension between personal torments and the desire for social connection starts to unfold, hinting at the intertwining stories of love and regret that will develop throughout the play.

The virgin of the sun : $b A play, in five acts

"The Virgin of the Sun: A Play" by August von Kotzebue is a dramatic work written in the late 18th century. This five-act play explores themes of love, duty, and conflict within a mythological context, focusing on the characters' struggles between personal desires and societal expectations. At the center of the narrative is Cora, a virgin priestess of the Sun, and her forbidden love for Alonzo, a Spaniard who disrupts her sacred obligations. The opening of the play introduces Rolla, a key character caught in emotional turmoil due to his unrequited love for Cora while simultaneously being a loyal warrior of his kingdom. As Rolla grapples with his feelings, he is confronted by the High-Priest, who attempts to guide him back to his duties. Cora and Alonzo's love is highlighted as pure yet heavily fraught with the implications of violating sacred temple laws, with dramatic exchanges foreshadowing the tragic consequences that may arise from their union. The interactions between the characters establish a rich emotional landscape, filled with longing and the dangers posed by their intense passions intertwined with a backdrop of divine oversight.

Suorin tie paras : $b Yksinäytöksinen ilveily

"Suorin tie paras: Yksinäytöksinen ilveily" by August von Kotzebue is a comedic play written during the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the competition between two clergymen vying for a pastoral position, set against the backdrop of a benevolent and resourceful major's estate. The central theme includes the complexities of love, choice, and community expectations, as the major seeks to arrange a suitable marriage for his ward Amalia while also dealing with the ensuing comedic situations brought about by the clergymen's attempts to win favor. The play begins with Major von Murten contemplating the selection of a new pastor, as two candidates come forward—Elias Krumm, a learned but somewhat pretentious man, and Fredrik Wahl, who harbors a secret love for Amalia, the ward. As Krumm attempts to ingratiate himself with the community and the major, Amalia cleverly devises a scheme to determine which man is more suitable for her. As the story unfolds, misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and humorous exchanges abound, leading to amusing situations where both Krumm and Wahl unwittingly end up entangled in the past and present romances of those around them. Ultimately, through a series of comedic events, both candidates' true natures are revealed, and love triumphs in unexpected ways, culminating in the revelation that the straightforward approach—“the shortest path is the best”—holds true for all involved.

Tri unuaktaj komedioj

"Tri unuaktaj komedioj" by August von Kotzebue, Marie Hankel, and T. Williams is a collection of one-act plays written in the early 20th century. This compilation features comedic scenarios that explore themes of family dynamics, inheritance, and personal misfortunes, often seasoned with social commentary and humor. Notable characters include the wealthy and enigmatic Petro Falk, who orchestrates an elaborate ruse around a will, and his assorted relatives, each claiming to be the most unfortunate in hopes of claiming his fortune. The beginning of the collection introduces the character of Petro Falk, who sits awaiting the arrival of his relatives to discuss his inheritance. He reveals that he has staged his own death, intending to see which of his relatives can prove themselves the "most unfortunate" to inherit his wealth. As various characters enter—each presenting their own exaggerated tales of woe—the comedic exchange showcases their quirks and the absurdity of their claims, setting the stage for a humorous exploration of human nature amidst familial greed and disappointment. The dialogue is lively, filled with sharp wit, and hints at deeper social critiques, inviting readers to consider what it truly means to be "unfortunate."