Subject
Finnish drama -- 19th century Books
Best books
Antti Törneroos
Saul: Murhenäytelmän mukainen runoelma viidessä näytöksessä
"Saul: Murhenäytelmän mukainen runoelma viidessä näytöksessä" by Antti Törneroos is a dramatic poetry piece written in the late 19th century. The work centers around the biblical character King Saul, exploring themes of leadership, power, and moral conflict. It delves into the relationships between Saul, his son Jonathan, and David, as well as the tension between divine command and human failings. The opening of the drama establishes a celebratory atmosphere in Gilgal, where the people of Israel reflect on their recent deliverance from oppression under the Philistines and rejoice in King Saul's victories. Characters such as Saul, Jonathan, and various Israelite elders and soldiers converse about past hardships and the joy of their newfound freedom. However, underlying tensions are evident, particularly with characters like Doeg, who hints at conflict and betrayal. As the scene unfolds, King Saul prepares to make an entrance amidst the adulation of his people, setting the stage for the complex dynamics of power and responsibility that will define the narrative.
Kaarlo Johan Bergbom
Kaarlo Bergbomin kirjoitukset 1. Näytelmät ja kertomukset
"Kaarlo Bergbomin kirjoitukset 1. Näytelmät ja kertomukset" by Kaarlo Johan Bergbom is a collection of plays and stories written in the late 19th century. This compilation includes works such as the historical drama "Pombal and the Jesuits," showcasing themes of power, culture, and national identity amidst the backdrop of 18th-century Portugal. The collection emerges as a testament to Bergbom's artistic endeavors, highlighting his struggle with language and identity. At the start of this collection, the preface outlines Kaarlo Bergbom’s literary journey, revealing his dedication to Finnish culture despite being linguistically tied to Swedish. The opening reveals a historical play called "Pombal ja jesuiitat," which dives into political conspiracies and moral dilemmas faced by figures such as the king of Portugal and the controversial statesman Pombal. The narrative sets up intriguing interpersonal conflicts, as well as broader themes of redemption, betrayal, and the socio-political landscape of the time, suggesting a deep exploration of both individual and national destinies.
Maila Talvio
Suomesta pois : $b Kuvaus keväältä 1899
"Suomesta pois: Kuvaus keväältä 1899" by Maila Talvio is a two-act play written during the late 19th century. The narrative focuses on the themes of emigration and the struggles faced by Finnish farmers during a difficult period. The characters grapple with the decision to leave their homeland for America in search of better opportunities amidst challenging circumstances in Finland. The story unfolds in a rural Finnish setting where the central character, Mattila, is faced with the imminent departure of his children and neighbors to America. As the village deals with flooding, food scarcity, and political repression, young characters like Selma and Antti consider leaving for a brighter future abroad. Yet, Mattila remains resolute about staying on his land. In the end, the characters come together in reflection, reaffirming their commitment to their homeland despite the allure of the American dream. The play captures the emotional turmoil of leaving home and the determination to face struggles with resilience.
Martti Wuori
Ryöstö : $b Viisinäytöksinen näytelmä
"Ryöstö : Viisinäytöksinen näytelmä" by Martti Wuori is a drama written in the early 20th century. The play unfolds a narrative centered around rural life in Eastern Finland, focusing on the interactions of characters like Antti Valkeapää, his wife Sohvi, and their children, as they navigate themes of debt, love, and societal expectations. The characters' relationships are marked by their economic struggles and personal aspirations, laying a foundation for exploring deeper emotional conflicts. The opening of the play introduces us to the Valkeapää household, where a conversation takes place between Hilma, Sohvi, and their young son Aaku. As they discuss daily matters, including Antti's errands and financial difficulties, it becomes clear that they are dealing with significant debt and reliance on local merchants like Sipi Rahikainen. The scene reveals family dynamics and hints at romantic tensions, particularly concerning Siiri, a friend of the family who has recently returned from her theatrical pursuits. Through this beginning, the groundwork is laid for exploring the challenges faced by rural families, intertwined with themes of loyalty, ambition, and societal pressures as they confront their socio-economic realities.
Martti Wuori
Ihmisten tähden : $b 3-näytöksinen näytelmä
"Ihmisten tähden : 3-näytöksinen näytelmä" by Martti Wuori is a play written in the late 19th century. The narrative seems to revolve around the lives of the Raunio family and their social interactions in Helsinki, focusing on themes of class, societal expectations, and the pressures of maintaining appearances. The main characters include the asessor Yrjö (Georges) Raunio, his wife Betty, their daughter Ella, and various acquaintances who impact their lives. The opening of the play sets the stage in the Raunio household, revealing a rich yet coldly decorated sala filled with incongruities typical of the late 19th-century bourgeois lifestyle. Ella, the daughter, is introduced along with her music teacher, Neiti Moilanen, as they discuss their lives, the pressures stemming from societal norms, and the family's financial struggles, particularly concerning their recent purchase of an expensive piano. The characters exhibit varying perspectives on life and social status, hinting at underlying tensions within the family regarding their financial predicament and the societal expectations that come with their social stature. This rich interplay of dialogue foreshadows deeper conflicts that will likely unfold throughout the play.
Aira
Amerikassa: Pila yhdessä näytöksessä
"Amerikassa: Pila yhdessä näytöksessä" by Aira is a theatrical play written at the end of the 19th century, specifically in 1899. This satirical work reflects the social dynamics and cultural clashes experienced by Finnish immigrants in America, particularly in a railway carriage setting. The underlying topic centers on themes of freedom, love, and the complexities of relationships within the context of the American experience. The play unfolds in a series of dialogues and encounters among various characters on a train traveling through America. Mr. Harry Watson's humorous and satirical exchanges with Miss Helny Palmer set the tone, exploring love and personal freedom against the backdrop of societal norms. As the plot progresses, it incorporates subplots involving characters like Beatrix Lack, Harry's ex-wife, who adds layers of conflict and comedy to the narrative. Additionally, the interactions highlight the juxtaposition of European and American values regarding marriage and independence, ultimately emphasizing the characters' struggles for love and acceptance within a rapidly changing society.
Martti Wuori
Korkea oikeus istuu : $b Yksinäytöksinen ilveily
"Korkea oikeus istuu: Yksinäytöksinen ilveily" by Martti Wuori is a one-act play written during the late 19th century. The book presents a courtroom drama that focuses on a petty theft case involving a stolen pig, with themes of social dynamics and the absurdities of rural life. The play employs a mix of humor and critique of legal proceedings, illustrating the interactions among characters in a rural community. The storyline revolves around the protagonist, Jeremias Pönttönen, who accuses Samuli Huilu of stealing his pig. The courtroom drama unfolds with a barrage of humorous testimonies from various witnesses, including Jeremias's wife, Serahviina, who adds to the chaos with her own grievances against her husband. Throughout the trial, it becomes clear that personal conflicts and misunderstandings overshadow the actual legal matter at hand. The comedic elements shine through the characters' interactions, their colorful personalities, and the ridiculousness of the accusations, ultimately leading to a resolution that showcases the absurdity of the entire situation and the challenges of genuine justice in a small community.
Laura Calonius
Kalatyttö: Kuvailus laululla yhdessä näytöksessä
"Kalatyttö: Kuvailus laululla yhdessä näytöksessä" by Laura Calonius is a play written in the mid-19th century. This theatrical work showcases the struggles and emotions of its characters within a rural Finnish setting by the shores of Näsijärvi. The narrative revolves around themes of poverty, love, and the search for happiness amidst adversity. The story centers on three main characters: Lassi, an old fisherman; his granddaughter Anna; and Yrjö Vaaranen, a university student. As the plot unfolds, we see the interactions between these characters blooming in a backdrop of simplicity and hardship. Yrjö, in his quest for a meaningful connection, reunites with Anna, a childhood friend he hasn't seen since they were little. Their reunion stirs bittersweet memories and rekindles feelings from the past, ultimately leading to a hopeful union despite their challenging circumstances. The play emphasizes the value of friendship, loyalty, and love, presenting a poignant reflection on the human experience and cultural identity in Finland.
Kustaa Killinen
Puijolla : $b Laulunsekainen näytelmä
"Puijolla: Laulunsekainen näytelmä" by Kustaa Killinen is a theatrical play likely written in the late 19th century. This work encapsulates elements of comedy and romance, exploring themes surrounding love, societal expectations, and the complexities of relationships in a rural Finnish setting. The narrative portrays various characters, including Matti Kajava, his family, and Aatami Pölckman, who is entangled in a romantic situation that unfolds amidst lively interactions. The play revolves around the characters’ experiences and emotions as they navigate love and commitment. Aatami Pölckman is engaged to Aura Kajava, but tensions arise when it becomes apparent that Aura has lingering feelings for Iivari, a childhood companion. Throughout the action, humor intermingles with poignant moments as the characters wrestle with societal pressures and their personal desires. Ultimately, love triumphs as the complications resolve, leading to connections formed through music and heartfelt expressions, naturally culminating in a celebration that emphasizes the significance of honesty and emotional authenticity in relationships.
Jacob Fredrik Lagervall
Judithi: Kuvaus 4:ssä Kohtauksessa
"Judithi: Kuvaus 4:ssä Kohtauksessa" by Jacob Fredrik Lagervall is a dramatic work likely written in the mid-19th century. The book can be categorized as a historical drama, drawing on themes from ancient Israel's narratives. It appears to revolve around the overarching topic of courage and faith, exemplified through the character of Judith, who seeks to protect her people from the invading Assyrians. The storyline follows Judith, a wealthy widow in Israel, as she devises a plan to save her city, Bethulia, from the siege led by the Assyrian general Holofernes. The narrative unfolds in a series of four scenes where Judith navigates the tensions between her people and their occupiers. She ultimately infiltrates the Assyrian camp, charms Holofernes, and, after getting him drunk, beheads him, thus securing a decisive victory for her people. The text highlights themes of female empowerment, divine intervention, and national identity, showcasing Judith as a figure of strength who transforms her vulnerability into a potent weapon against oppression. Through her cunning and bravery, Judith symbolizes hope and resistance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Gotthard Corander
Sala-kauppa : $b Ilveilys neljässä näytöksessä
"Sala-kauppa: Ilveilys neljässä näytöksessä" by Gotthard Corander is a play written in the late 19th century. The work likely explores themes of smuggling, societal norms, and romance, centering around characters intertwined in a web of relationships and illegal activities. The drama includes various characters such as Juria, a central figure navigating complex situations related to family and love, as well as an array of colorful supporting characters that adding depth to the story. The opening of the play introduces several characters in a tense and humorous context, primarily within the home of Hukkanen, the local police chief. Various interactions revolve around smuggling activities and the tensions between authority and illicit trade. As the characters discuss the consequences of the law against smuggling, familial tensions become apparent when Julia, Hukkanen's daughter, expresses feelings for Wilho, the son of Hukkanen's brother. The dialogue sets the stage for comedy and conflict as characters maneuver through their aspirations, secrets, and impending societal norms, hinting at deeper explorations of love, betrayal, and the perception of morality within the community.
Anonymous
Palvelijat ja isäntäväki: Yksinäytöksinen ilveily
"Palvelijat ja isäntäväki: Yksinäytöksinen ilveily" by Anonymous is a one-act play written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around the interactions and misunderstandings between a maid named Anni and a new servant, Aappo, as they navigate their roles and personal ambitions within the household. The play explores themes of social hierarchy, deception, and the playful dynamics between servants and their employers. The story unfolds as Anni finds herself alone in the house after her mistress departs, prompting her to consider how she might benefit from her position. She writes a letter to dismiss Aappo, whom she is expected to hire, but the situation quickly complicates when Aappo arrives. Misunderstandings abound as Aappo mistakenly believes Anni to be his employer and begins to flatter her. As their banter reveals a battle of wits and intentions, both characters attempt to outsmart one another while navigating their feelings and aspirations for a better future. Throughout the play, the comedic tension builds through their clever exchanges until they realize their shared interests, leading to a humorous and light-hearted resolution.
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