Locrine: A Tragedy

Name: Locrine: A Tragedy
Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

The play dramatizes a royal household torn by illicit passion and political rivalry: a king's repudiation of his lawful wife for a foreign princess incites filial and fraternal resistance, court intrigue, and civil conflict. Through exchanges among the queen, her son, noble counsellors and rival claimants, loyalties erode and public authority collapses, while personal grievance and poetic lamentation voice themes of honor, betrayal, and the costs of desire. The action traces how private passion becomes public calamity, how memory and speech contend with silence and shame, and how generations pay for the rulers' choices, culminating in tragic reckonings that reshape the kingdom's fate.

About the Author

Algernon Charles Swinburne

Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837-1909) was an English poet, playwright, and novelist known for his lyrical and often controversial works. A prominent figure in the Victorian literary scene, he is celebrated for his innovative use of meter and form, particularly in his poetry collections such as "Poems & Ballads." Swinburne's themes often explore love, nature, and the human condition, infused with a sense of rebellion against societal norms. His notable plays, including "Atalanta in Calydon" and "Chastelard," showcase his dramatic talents and deep engagement with classical themes. Swinburne's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on English literature, influencing subsequent generations of poets.