Franz Grillparzer
Ein Bruderzwist in Habsburg
"Ein Bruderzwist in Habsburg" by Franz Grillparzer is a five-act drama written in 1848. The play depicts the bitter conflict between Emperor Rudolf II and his ambitious brother Matthias, who schemes to seize the throne. Rudolf, paralyzed by his fear of political action and moral compromise, faces accusations of weakness while Matthias pursues power with reckless confidence. Their struggle unfolds against a backdrop of religious tensions and political intrigue, ultimately culminating in Rudolf's downfall and an ominous prophecy of the coming Thirty Years' War.