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Classic Plays

Plays: Play Guide and Free Edition

Plays: 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

Plays is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Ostrovsky, Aleksandr Nikolaevich (1823–1886).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"Plays" by Aleksandr Nikolaevich Ostrovsky is a collection of four plays originally written in the mid-19th century, during a time of significant social change in Russia. Ostrovsky's works delve into the complexities of Russian life, particularly focusing on the lesser-seen merchant class and the moral dilemmas they face. Through portrayals of characters such as the wealthy and tyrannical Madam Ulanbékov, her son Leoníd, and the often victimized protégée Nádya, the plays explore themes of power, love, and societal constraints. The opening portion introduces the various characters and sets the stage for the conflicts that arise within the social hierarchy of Russian life. We are introduced to Nádya, who seeks to escape her bleak fate dictated by her mistress's insistence on arranging her marriage to an unsuitable drunkard. The longing for freedom and love contrasts with the controlling atmosphere created by characters like Madam Ulanbékov, who embodies the oppressive social order. As Nádya navigates her dreams and desires amidst the expectations laid upon her, the audience is drawn into a world where individual aspirations clash with societal obligations, setting the stage for engaging dramatic conflicts.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: Plays
  • Author credits: Ostrovsky, Aleksandr Nikolaevich (1823–1886)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • Russian drama -- Translations into English

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: Plays/Films/Dramas
  • Category: Russian Literature

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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