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Ariadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five Acts: Play Guide and Free Edition

Ariadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five Acts: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

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AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

Ariadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five Acts is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Lee, Vernon (1856–1935).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"Ariadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five Acts" by Vernon Lee is a dramatic work written in the early 20th century, showcasing elements of romance intertwined with themes of identity and societal constraints. Set against the backdrop of the historical city of Mantua, the play focuses on the profound complexities of human emotions and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations amidst a richly atmospheric setting. The narrative revolves around Diego, a young singer who is actually a woman in disguise, Magdalen, and her role in reviving the melancholic Duke Ferdinand of Mantua. As she navigates through the court's intrigues, her music acts as both a balm for the Duke and a subtle vector for her feelings. The central plot pivots on her hidden identity and the emotional stakes tied to her past with the Duke during his captivity. As the story unfolds, themes of love, sacrifice, and the dichotomy between impulsive desire and the restraint of duty culminate in a tragic climax, leading Diego/ Magdalen to a dramatic act of self-sacrifice which profoundly affects the Duke and those around him, illustrating the profound loneliness and anguish that shape their relationships.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: Ariadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five Acts
  • Author credits: Lee, Vernon (1856–1935)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • Courts and courtiers -- Drama
  • Italy -- Drama
  • Man-woman relationships -- Drama

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: Plays/Films/Dramas
  • Category: Romance

Read this edition

View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.

Source notes

Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.

Sources

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