Author |
Hardy, Thomas, 1840-1928 |
Title |
The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon
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Note |
Reading ease score: 81.9 (6th grade). Easy to read.
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Credits |
Douglas Levy and David Widger
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Summary |
"The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon" by Thomas Hardy is a dramatic work written in the early 20th century. This epic drama depicts the conflict surrounding the Napoleonic Wars, focusing on the intricate interplay of historical figures and events, as well as the broader themes of fate and agency in human affairs. The play employs a unique structure, featuring supernatural elements and a chorus that provides insights into the unfolding narrative, emphasizing the tragic consequences of war on humanity. At the start of the drama, Hardy introduces a backdrop of societal tension in England, as citizens discuss the looming threat of Napoleon's ambitions. The narrative opens with conversations among passengers on a coach, who speculate about military preparations and the implications of Napoleon's overtures to King George III. Through a sequence of scenes that traverse both the English and French perspectives, Hardy sets the stage for the military and political maneuvers that will drive the story forward. The dialogue reveals a blend of fear, hope, and skepticism among characters, foreshadowing the clashes to come while hinting at the manipulation of fate by unseen powers, as personified by the Spirits observing the action. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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Language |
English |
LoC Class |
PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
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Subject |
Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821 -- Drama
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Subject |
Napoleonic Wars, 1800-1815 -- Drama
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Category |
Text |
EBook-No. |
4043 |
Release Date |
May 1, 2003 |
Most Recently Updated |
Nov 6, 2022 |
Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
Downloads |
389 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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