
Set against the glittering courts of Athens and the storm‑tossed plains of Thebes, the play follows two noble cousins, Arcite and Palamon, who are torn from a battlefield and cast into a tangled web of rivalry and longing. Their fates become intertwined with the powerful figures of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, and his new queen, Hippolyta, as well as with a host of queens, knights, and common folk whose loyalties shift like the winds. Early scenes reveal the harsh consequences of war, the bitter sting of captivity, and the first sparks of a love triangle that threatens to eclipse the honor they cherish.
The drama blends the grandeur of classical mythology with the chivalric spirit of medieval romance, offering both witty banter and poignant reflection on destiny, loyalty, and the price of pride. Richly staged with music, processions, and colorful characters, it invites listeners into a world where personal desire clashes with public duty, setting the stage for a compelling struggle that will echo through every subsequent turn.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (141K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
1998-10-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1564–1616
Often called the greatest writer in the English language, this English playwright and poet created dramas and verses that still feel alive on the page and stage. His stories of ambition, love, jealousy, power, and loss continue to speak to readers centuries later.
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