Aureng-Zebe

by John Dryden, Frederick M. Link (Editor)

Aureng-Zebe was John Dryden's last rhymed play and it is frequently considered his best. In this tragedy, produced in 1675, published in 1676, the plot is loosely based on a contemporary account of the struggle between the four sons of Shah Jahan, the fifth Mogul emperor, for the succession to the throne. The hero is a figure of exemplary rationality, virtue, and patience whose stepmother lusts after him and whose father pursues the woman with whom Aureng-Zebe is himself in love. Dryden evinces a deeply disturbing awareness of the anarchy and impotence which threaten every aspect of human life, emotional, moral, and political.

Genres: Poetry, Plays, Drama, Classics, Theatre, British Literature

131 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1675

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

John Dryden was an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who was made Poet Laureate in 1668. He is seen as dominating the literary life of Restoration England to such a point that the period came to be known in literary circles as the Age of Dryden. Walter Scott called him "Glorious John."

Reviews

[Dominic Muresan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Besides a poorly understood cultural image of a Mughal Empire (which is normal for the time) and the fact that Aureng-Zebe behaves like a teenager with Indamora, it is still a solid play by our friend Dryden. The conflict is well sustained, perhaps even better than in most of Dryden's heroic tragedies. The female characters are under the spotlight here, one-sided as they are, they sustain the action and solve or deepen conflicts.

It is important to note that even though this play is subtitled " a Tragedy" the ending and the destinies of the characters do not really allow that. Other readers might, of course, disagree on that.

[Isana Skeete · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not a great play to be honest but I read it in terms of the view of the western world of Mohgul India. In that case, it was really fascinating to analyze.

[A. B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loosely based on the succession conflict after Shah Jahan's illness in Mughal India, this is one of Dryden's lesser-known works. Rather enjoyable- if only for the rhyming couplets. It was interesting to see a different take on Aurangzeb, a much-maligned emperor in contemporary India. A tragedy, not because of the ending (which is happy, all things considered); but because of the futility of the passions and jealousies on display. Everyone and the world seems to be in love with Indamora- including the Emperor (Shah Jahan), Aureng Zebe (Aurangzeb), Morat (Murad), and Arimant. While Melesinda, Morat's wife, suffers silently. And Nourmahal, Shah Jahan's wife is jealous of Indamora while conceiving a passion for her stepson Aureng Zebe at the same time. Arimant is skilfully manipulated by Indamora for acting as a go-between for Aurangzeb's love while being retained as a friend. Indamora comes across as a self-possessed heroine in her own right, in control for most of her time on stage. Arimant also comes across as a hero for the trick he plays at the end which guarantees Aureng Zebe's victory. Shah Jahan grows as a person throughout the play, becoming more humane and recognizing his age. The major themes of the play are power politics, the jealousies of love, forbidden love, heroism, and ageing. A short read.

[jb-rand · Rating 2 out of 5]

Excessive people being excessively mean to each other, but with glimmers of insight offered by Dryden who I truly believe was in over his head and has no idea what he wanted to say. As far as tragedies go this is just by the numbers kitschy melodrama. Yeah it's sincere but oddly enough Dryden never had too many problems with stuffing his content with heartfelt diatribe. The shining light weirdly enough is Dryden's women characters here who are giving dramatic and evocative dialogue to work with. I don't think Dryden knew what he was doing with them but I think a general effort was made to point at the situation of these women and say "hey, this is a bit messed up ay".

[Cordellya Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story and the way it played out. If you're interested in Restoration literature that includes the Oriental, this is a must read.

[alessia · Rating 4 out of 5]

this man got a Barssss