The return of Alcestis: A play in one act: Play Guide and Free Edition
The return of Alcestis: A play in one act: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The return of Alcestis: A play in one act is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Housman, Laurence (1865–1959).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Return of Alcestis: A Play in One Act" by Laurence Housman is a dramatic work written in the early 20th century. The play reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Alcestis, focusing on themes of love, sacrifice, and the interplay between life and death. Set in a single act, it explores the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the characters within this mythological context. In this adaptation, Alcestis returns from the dead after sacrificing herself so that her husband, King Admetus, could live. The play opens with a sense of joy about her return, but as the story unfolds, it reveals Alcestis's melancholic state upon returning. She struggles with the realization of what death truly means, questioning the value of life after such a profound experience. Although Admetus initially rejoices at her return, the joy is overshadowed by the overall tragedy, as Alcestis is unable to fully embrace life again, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion that reflects the complexity of love and loss. The characters' dialogues reveal deep emotional insights and evoke a sense of mourning even amidst the celebration, culminating in Alcestis ultimately succumbing to death once again, leaving a powerful impact on Admetus and the audience.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The return of Alcestis: A play in one act
- Author credits: Housman, Laurence (1865–1959)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Alcestis, Queen, consort of Admetus, King of Pherae -- Drama
- One-act plays
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Mythology, Legends & Folklore
- Category: Plays/Films/Dramas
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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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