Subject
English drama -- 19th century Books
Best books
Robert Browning
The Complete Poetic and Dramatic Works of Robert Browning Cambridge Edition
"The Complete Poetic and Dramatic Works of Robert Browning" by Robert Browning is a comprehensive collection of poetry and drama written during the mid-19th century. This compilation includes Browning's entire body of work, showcasing his innovative form of dramatic monologue and deeply psychological characterizations. The collection likely appeals to readers interested in exploring complex themes of human nature, morality, and the intricacies of the human psyche, often conveyed through rich imagery and vivid character portrayals. The opening of the collection features a biographical sketch that outlines Browning's early life and influences, portraying him as a poet deeply shaped by his family and literary experiences. It details his formative years, highlighting his voracious reading habits and early attempts at writing poetry, which began as imitations of his contemporaries like Byron and Shelley. Furthermore, it introduces his first published work, "Pauline," and reflects upon the journey of his literary career, offering insight into Browning's philosophical struggles and the dualities of his personal and artistic life. The introduction sets the stage for the complexities and depth that define Browning's work throughout this extensive collection.
Sydney Grundy
In Honour Bound: An Original Play, in One Act. (Suggested by Scribe's Five Act Comedy, "Une Chaine.")
"In Honour Bound: An Original Play, in One Act." by Sydney Grundy is a theatrical play written in the late 19th century. This play, primarily a comedy, explores themes of love, promises, and social propriety through the interactions of its characters within a single act. Set within the social context of the Victorian era, it delves into the intricate complications that arise from romantic entanglements and the societal expectations surrounding them. The storyline revolves around Sir George Carlyon, a barrister, and his interactions with Philip Graham, who has just returned from traveling abroad. Philip reveals to Sir George that he is engaged to a lovely girl named Rose Dalrymple, who unexpectedly turns out to be Sir George’s niece. As the characters navigate this revelation, they confront issues of past romantic ties that threaten Philip's future happiness. The tension mounts as secrets and misunderstandings are revealed, culminating in a pivotal moment where responsibilities and emotional attachments are evaluated. Through witty dialogue and the unfolding drama, the play reflects on the burdens of past love and the quest for personal happiness amidst societal norms.
John Maddison Morton
Box and Cox: A Romance of Real Life in One Act.
"Box and Cox: A Romance of Real Life in One Act" by John Maddison Morton is a one-act farce first produced in 1847. Mrs. Bouncer, a cunning London landlady, secretly rents the same room to two tenants: Box, a printer who works nights, and Cox, a hatter who works days. Neither suspects the arrangement until Cox unexpectedly returns home early. When both men discover each other cooking their meals on the same gridiron, confusion erupts. What follows is a comic collision that reveals more than just a duplicitous landlady's scheme.
Oscar Wilde
The Duchess of Padua
"The Duchess of Padua" by Oscar Wilde is a five-act tragedy written in 1883. Set in Renaissance Italy, this blank verse drama follows Guido Ferranti, a young man who arrives in Padua to avenge his father's murder at the hands of the Duke. His mission becomes complicated when he falls deeply in love with the Duke's wife, Beatrice. As passion collides with vengeance, both lovers make fatal choices that bind them in tragedy, leading to devastating consequences neither anticipated.
Benjamin Disraeli
Count Alarcos; a Tragedy
"Count Alarcos; a Tragedy" by Benjamin Disraeli is a dramatic work written during the mid-19th century. Set in the 13th century, the play unfolds within the context of the Kingdom of Castile, focusing on the turbulent emotions and political intrigues surrounding the titular character, Count Alarcos. Central to the narrative are themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of ambition, as Alarcos navigates his relationships with his wife Florimonde and the Infanta Solisa, amidst a politically charged atmosphere. At the start of the tragedy, we witness the political landscape of Burgos and an introduction to Alarcos's world, which is marked by royal expectations and romantic entanglements. Two courtiers discuss recent court events, hinting at a royal marriage that may be at risk. We then meet Count Alarcos and his wife, who share a complex dynamic filled with tension as he grapples with his return to court after an exile. As whispers of political maneuvering and love triangles echo through the palace, the opening sets a tone of impending conflict, revealing Alarcos's struggles with ambition, loyalty, and his emotional past, as well as his connection to Solisa, further complicating the narrative tension.
Arthur Wing Pinero
Trelawny of The "Wells": A Comedietta in Four Acts
"Trelawny of The 'Wells': A Comedietta in Four Acts" by Arthur Wing Pinero is a play written in the late 19th century. This work revolves around the theatrical life and the emotional transitions of its characters, particularly focusing on Rose Trelawny, a young actress on the verge of leaving the stage for a marriage that signifies a departure from her artistic lifestyle. The narrative begins with the elements of humor and drama typical of the theatre scene, highlighting the interactions among theatrical and non-theatrical characters. The opening of the play introduces us to a sitting room in a modest lodging house where preparations are underway for a farewell gathering for Miss Rose Trelawny. As various characters come in and out, we learn that Rose is leaving her acting career behind to marry Arthur Gower, a young man from a respectable family. Conversations among the characters reveal their thoughts on Rose's departure from the profession, their mixed feelings about it, and hints of emotional struggles as they navigate their world, balancing aspirations with societal expectations. The lively dialogue sets a comedic yet poignant tone, establishing the complexities of love and career within the theatrical community.
William Makepeace Thackeray
The Wolves and the Lamb
"The Wolves and the Lamb" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a drama likely written in the mid-19th century. The play revolves around Mr. Horace Milliken, a wealthy city merchant and widower, navigating the complexities of family, societal expectations, and relationships with his mother-in-law, Lady Kicklebury, and his children. The opening of the play introduces a host of characters within Milliken's home, highlighting the dynamics between the household staff and the family. Mr. Howell, Milliken's butler, expresses his frustrations about the treatment he receives, revealing a well-defined social hierarchy. As the scene unfolds, it becomes clear that Howell harbors feelings for the governess, Miss Prior, who is painfully aware of her precarious position. Meanwhile, Milliken juggles the demands of his family and the influence of both his mother and mother-in-law, setting the stage for conflicts driven by social class, familial loyalty, and the search for personal happiness amidst societal constraints.
John Maddison Morton
Comediettas and Farces
"Comediettas and Farces" by John Maddison Morton is a collection of comedic plays written in the late 19th century. The work features a range of light-hearted theatrical pieces, including witty dialogues and humorous situations designed for private performances, appealing to amateur dramatics and enthusiasts of British farce. The opening focuses on one play, "Box and Cox," featuring two main characters, John Box and James Cox, who unwittingly share the same room while going about their respective lives as a printer and a hatter. The beginning of the collection introduces "Box and Cox," a farce that brings forth the comedic misadventures of two characters who occupy the same room at different times, unaware of each other's presence. The action unfolds as Mrs. Bouncer, the landlord, cleverly manages their separate lives. Box and Cox's humorous interactions revolve around misunderstandings regarding their living situation, each believing they alone have rights to the accommodations. The stage is set for a clash of personalities, misunderstandings, and lunch-time chaos, blending clever banter with the humorous consequences of double occupancy, which promises a delightful experience for readers and theater enthusiasts alike.
Arthur Wing Pinero
The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts
"The Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three Acts" by Arthur Wing Pinero is a play written in the late 19th century. It explores themes of societal reputation, family dynamics, and the complexities of marital relationships through the lens of a courtroom drama involving the character Theophila Fraser, who has just faced a scandalous divorce case. This sparkling comedy delves into the lives of various characters intertwined with Theophila's fate, including her family and friends who navigate their own reactions to the courtroom's judgment. At the start of the play, the setting unfolds around Mrs. Emptage's drawing-room, where tension mounts as the characters await news about Theophila's trial outcome. Mrs. Emptage and her daughter Justina, both visibly anxious, are joined by their lively relative, Mrs. Quinton Twelves, who attempts to uplift their spirits amidst the uncertainty. The news finally arrives that Theophila has been vindicated, but the celebration is overshadowed by deeper questions about her behavior inside the courtroom and the reputations at stake. As various family members and acquaintances gather, their interactions reveal underlying frictions, prejudices, and anxieties, setting the stage for further developments in the story.
Arthur Wing Pinero
The Profligate: A Play in Four Acts
"The Profligate: A Play in Four Acts" by Arthur Wing Pinero is a dramatic work written in the late 19th century. The play explores the complexities of morality and consequence within the context of marriage, centered around leading characters Dunstan Renshaw and Leslie Brudenell. It delves into themes of past indiscretions, societal expectations, and the struggle for redemption. At the start of "The Profligate," we are introduced to the characters in a legal office where Hugh Murray, the best man, grapples with his conflicting feelings about his friend Dunstan's impending marriage to Leslie, a naive girl unaware of Dunstan's troubled past. The tension escalates when it is revealed that Dunstan's former lover, Janet Preece, has approached Hugh for assistance in finding him, showcasing the imminent collision of Dunstan’s past and present. This opening sets the stage for a domestic tragedy that raises questions about love, guilt, and the possibility of redemption amidst societal judgment.
Arthur Wing Pinero
The Magistrate: A Farce in Three Acts
"The Magistrate: A Farce in Three Acts" by Arthur Wing Pinero is a farce written in 1885. A respectable London magistrate finds his orderly life turned upside down when his wife's deception about her age sets off a chain of scandalous events. What begins as an innocent evening escalates into a chaotic night involving a police raid, a collapsing balcony, and a desperate chase through muddy streets. The next morning, Posket must preside over his own courtroom—only to discover familiar faces in the dock, including his own wife.
Harry Pleon
A Vision of Venus; Or, A Midsummer-Night's Nightmare
"A Vision of Venus; Or, A Midsummer-Night's Nightmare" by Harry Pleon is a farcical play presented in two acts and eight tableaux, written during the late 19th century. The work blends elements of comedy and fantasy, likely exploring themes of love, desire, and mistaken identity through the lens of humor. The plot is partly inspired by Anstey's "Tinted Venus," suggesting its narrative draws from mythological and romantic elements. The story centers around Alphonzo Latherum, a hairdresser who accidentally brings the statue of Venus to life after placing a magical ring on her finger. As Venus, who is awakened from a long trance, follows Alphonzo and claims him as hers, comedic confusion ensues. Alphonzo, already entangled in an affectionate relationship with Jane, must navigate the chaos that arises from Venus’s demands and the pursuit of antique robbers looking for the statue. Ultimately, the play culminates in Alphonzo's realization of true love and the comedic resolution of his relationships amidst the absurdity and farce surrounding the living statue of Venus.
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