All for Love; Or, The World Well Lost: A Tragedy

Name: All for Love; Or, The World Well Lost: A Tragedy
Author: John Dryden

By John Dryden

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About This Book

A tightly focused neoclassical tragedy condenses a famous classical romance into an intense sequence of scenes set in a single location and compressed time. It probes the conflict between private passion and public obligation as two great lovers face jealousy, political rivalry, and the corrosive effects of honor and pride. The drama favors elevated blank verse and rhetorical speeches, emphasizing moral dilemmas, psychological nuance, and sacrificial choices. Reworking earlier dramatic treatments of the same narrative, it aims for unity of action and tragic dignity, driving toward a climactic moral reckoning and fatal consequences for the central figures.

About the Author

John Dryden

John Dryden (1631-1700) was an influential English poet, playwright, and critic, known for his significant contributions to the literary landscape of the Restoration period. His works often explored themes of love, politics, and morality, showcasing his mastery of both verse and prose. Among his notable plays is "All for Love; Or, The World Well Lost," a tragedy that reflects his deep understanding of human emotions and relationships. Dryden's essays, such as "Discourses on Satire and on Epic Poetry," further illustrate his role as a literary theorist, shaping the discourse of his time. His extensive body of work continues to be studied for its stylistic innovation and cultural impact.