Swan Song: Play Guide and Free Edition
Swan Song: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Swan Song is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Chekhov, Anton Pavlovich (1860–1904). The listed translation credits are Fell, Marian.
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Swan Song" by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a one-act play written during the late 19th century, specifically in the transitional period of Russian literature. This poignant work delves into themes of aging, loneliness, and the existential weight of a life spent in the pursuit of artistic acclaim, encapsulating the struggles of an aging actor coming to terms with his past and his mortality. Chekhov, celebrated for his insight into the human condition, weaves a narrative that portrays the melancholy yet humorous reality of a life spent on stage. The play centers around Vasili Svetlovidoff, a 68-year-old comedian who finds himself alone in an empty theater after a performance dedicated to him. As he reflects on his life, he is consumed by feelings of regret and nostalgia, recalling his youthful exuberance and past artistic successes. Joined by Nikita Ivanitch, an old prompter, Svetlovidoff's melancholic musings shift between moments of revelry and despair, revealing his isolation and the fleeting nature of fame. Through their interactions, the play contrasts the vibrancy of the actor's once-celebrated talent with the stark realities of aging and forgotten glory, ultimately leaving audiences to ponder life's transitory nature and the quest for meaningful connections amidst the ravages of time.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Swan Song
- Author credits: Chekhov, Anton Pavlovich (1860–1904)
- Catalogue language: English
- Translator credits: Fell, Marian
Catalogue subjects
- Russia -- Social life and customs -- Drama
- Russian drama -- Translations into English
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Plays/Films/Dramas
- Category: Russian Literature
- One Act Plays
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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.
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