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Five German Tragedies
504 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 1970
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March 4, 2018
Emilia Galotti by Lessing
A prince falls for the betrothed beauty of a rival and is advised by an Iago-type counselor how to attain his prize. It is a rendition of Livy’s story about Appius Claudius lust for Virginius and has been treated by other dramatists beginning in the era of the Roman Republic. This play (like most) requires credulity. It is well-written and fast-paced.
Egmont by Goethe
The Count of Egmont was a historical hero during Spain’s possession of the Low Countries (late 16th Century) whose execution contrary to law and tradition, helped spur the independence movement. Beethoven’s overture was written for this play. A powerful drama, it displays Goethe’s brilliance when compared to the other dramas contained in this book. A major subplot has to do with a romance between the hero and a teenage girl is beyond the pale and was a vehicle used to promote Egmont’s humanity. Too bad Goethe couldn’t find a better way for this to be displayed.
Mary Stuart by Schiller
More people should read Schiller. This play emphasizes the heroic character of Elizabeth’s rival and the machinations of England’s political machine to eliminate her. When a foreign dramatist creates a different perspective regarding the elevated, ideal Queen, the veil on her flaws is lifted and a more truthful picture of these rivals is shown.
Penthesilea by Kleist
An outrageous, bloody, gruelingly long romp that jettisons all established myth concerning Achilles’ death during the Trojan War. There is nothing redeeming here.
Medea by Grillparzer
This is a mesmerizing tragedy of Jason’s abusive treatment of the ever-faithful wife who has sacrificed everything – father, country, people, comfort, royalty - for his achievement: the Golden Fleece. Even though her ultimate vengeance has horrified audiences for thousands of years, Medea is a completely sympathetic character under the pen of Grillparzer. A very good play.
A prince falls for the betrothed beauty of a rival and is advised by an Iago-type counselor how to attain his prize. It is a rendition of Livy’s story about Appius Claudius lust for Virginius and has been treated by other dramatists beginning in the era of the Roman Republic. This play (like most) requires credulity. It is well-written and fast-paced.
Egmont by Goethe
The Count of Egmont was a historical hero during Spain’s possession of the Low Countries (late 16th Century) whose execution contrary to law and tradition, helped spur the independence movement. Beethoven’s overture was written for this play. A powerful drama, it displays Goethe’s brilliance when compared to the other dramas contained in this book. A major subplot has to do with a romance between the hero and a teenage girl is beyond the pale and was a vehicle used to promote Egmont’s humanity. Too bad Goethe couldn’t find a better way for this to be displayed.
Mary Stuart by Schiller
More people should read Schiller. This play emphasizes the heroic character of Elizabeth’s rival and the machinations of England’s political machine to eliminate her. When a foreign dramatist creates a different perspective regarding the elevated, ideal Queen, the veil on her flaws is lifted and a more truthful picture of these rivals is shown.
Penthesilea by Kleist
An outrageous, bloody, gruelingly long romp that jettisons all established myth concerning Achilles’ death during the Trojan War. There is nothing redeeming here.
Medea by Grillparzer
This is a mesmerizing tragedy of Jason’s abusive treatment of the ever-faithful wife who has sacrificed everything – father, country, people, comfort, royalty - for his achievement: the Golden Fleece. Even though her ultimate vengeance has horrified audiences for thousands of years, Medea is a completely sympathetic character under the pen of Grillparzer. A very good play.
Displaying 1 of 1 review