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Classic Plays

Kwan-yin: Play Guide and Free Edition

Kwan-yin: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Published by Pop Culture Files••2 min read•Automatically generated · review not guaranteed
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

Kwan-yin is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Benson, Stella (1892–1933).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"Kwan-yin" by Stella Benson is a play written in the early 20th century that draws upon themes of compassion and the human condition. The piece presents a spiritual and meditative exploration of Kwan-yin, the revered Goddess of Mercy in Eastern mythology, serving as a focal point for themes of sorrow, love, and the quest for solace. The play takes place within a temple setting, where priests and acolytes engage in rituals that intertwine song and prayer, creating a rich atmosphere for the expression of longing and pain. The narrative unfolds as a series of chants and dialogues between the priests and Kwan-yin, conveying humanity's struggles with pain, loneliness, and the hope for forgiveness and understanding. Kwan-yin, portrayed as both a powerful and passive figure, listens to the cries of the suffering without offering direct intervention, illustrating the complexities of mercy and the limits of divine help. The interplay of the acolytes’ songs and the priests’ chants highlights a deep yearning for connection and relief from anguish, ultimately questioning the efficacy of mercy in the face of overwhelming suffering. The climax reflects Kwan-yin's confession of being defeated, raising poignant questions about the nature of hope and the significance of mercy in a world filled with despair.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: Kwan-yin
  • Author credits: Benson, Stella (1892–1933)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • Drama

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: Mythology, Legends & Folklore
  • Category: Plays/Films/Dramas
  • Category: Religion/Spirituality

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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