The Life of Man: A Play in Five Acts by Leonid Andreyev

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Author Andreyev, Leonid, 1871-1919
Translator Hogarth, C. J., 1869-1942
LoC No. 84218164
Title The Life of Man: A Play in Five Acts
Note Reading ease score: 82.8 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Credits Produced by David Widger from page images generously
provided by the Internet Archive
Summary "The Life of Man: A Play in Five Acts" by Leonid Andreyev is a dramatic work written in the early 20th century. This play explores the profound themes of existence, the human condition, and the inexorable march of time through the life of its central character, known simply as the Man. Various personae, including The Being in Grey and the Old Serving Woman, navigate the cyclical relationship between joy and suffering, weaving poignant reflections on the moments of birth, love, and eventual decay that define human life. The opening of the play sets a solemn atmosphere, unfolding with a prologue delivered by The Being in Grey, who solemnly recounts the life journey of the Man from birth to death. The initial act introduces the anticipation and anxiety surrounding the Man's birth, featuring a group of old women discussing the event, contrasting the joyous occasion with the underlying pain of childbirth. As the narrative progresses, the tone shifts from laughter to despair, illustrating the duality of life. The Father expresses a moment of admiration for his newly born child amidst the chaotic emotions of new parenthood, highlighting both hope and foreboding. This juxtaposition of joy and sorrow foreshadows the Man's turbulent life, inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences through the lens of his unfolding story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PG: Language and Literatures: Slavic (including Russian), Languages and Literature
Subject Russian drama -- Translations into English
Subject Russia -- Drama
Subject Andreyev, Leonid, 1871-1919 -- Translations into English
Category Text
EBook-No. 49852
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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