Joost van den Vondel
De complete werken van Joost van Vondel. Het Pascha
"De complete werken van Joost van Vondel. Het Pascha" by Joost van den Vondel is a tragicomedy written during the early 17th century. This play explores the biblical story of Moses and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, with themes of faith, oppression, and divine intervention. The main character, Moses, is depicted as a shepherd chosen by God to lead his people to freedom, facing challenges from the proud Pharaoh. At the start of the tragicomedy, Moses tends to his flock near Mount Horeb when he encounters God in the form of a burning bush. God commands him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, offering him signs to convince the people of his divine mission. Moses expresses doubt about his abilities, particularly his speech, and requests that his brother Aaron accompany him as a spokesperson. The opening sets the stage for a dramatic narrative about faith, leadership, and the struggle against tyranny, revealing both the inner conflict of Moses and the dire situation of the enslaved Israelites.