The Stranger: A Drama, in Five Acts by August von Kotzebue

"The Stranger: A Drama, in Five Acts" by August von Kotzebue is a theatrical play written in the early 19th century. The play unfolds within a German setting and revolves around complex themes of love, betrayal, and the societal repercussions of infidelity. The main character, referred to as the Stranger, embodies a deep sense of sorrow and misanthropy, while also displaying moments of compassion, especially towards those affected by societal hardships. The opening of the drama introduces us to various characters, including the Stranger and Francis, as they discuss their views on humanity and the nature of kindness. The Stranger's disdain for society is evident as he engages in conversation about an old man's plight, emphasizing his reluctance to help due to a strong skepticism of human nature. This dialogue sets the stage for the themes of emotional suffering and alienation, which are further explored through glimpses into the lives of other characters, including Mrs. Haller, who appears mournful and carries a hidden past. The tension between personal torments and the desire for social connection starts to unfold, hinting at the intertwining stories of love and regret that will develop throughout the play. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Kotzebue, August von, 1761-1819
Translator Thompson, Benjamin, 1776?-1816
Title The Stranger: A Drama, in Five Acts
Credits E-text prepared by Steven desJardins and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
Reading Level Reading ease score: 86.9 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PT: Language and Literatures: Germanic, Scandinavian, and Icelandic literatures
Subject Drama
Category Text
eBook-No. 20217
Release Date
Last Update Jan 1, 2021
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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