For Love of the King: A Burmese Masque

Name: For Love of the King: A Burmese Masque
Author: Oscar Wilde

By Oscar Wilde

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About This Book

A short ornate masque set in a royal Burmese court follows a young monarch and his retinue as ceremonial life — processions, dancers, priests, and a jewel-crowned pagoda — unfolds around an arranged marriage. A luminous girl of mixed parentage appears and her presence provokes ministers, soothsayers, a Chinese wizard, and shifting loyalties, bringing personal longing into collision with political duty. The work favors ritualized tableaux, music, and spectacle over psychological realism, using symbolic episodes and stage effects to examine themes of love, obligation, and the tensions between private desire and public ceremony.

About the Author

Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet, playwright, and novelist, renowned for his wit and flamboyant style. He is best known for his plays, including "A Woman of No Importance" and "An Ideal Husband," which showcase his sharp social commentary and exploration of morality. Wilde's literary contributions extend to essays and poetry, with works such as "De Profundis" reflecting his personal struggles and philosophical insights. His unique voice and aesthetic ideals have left a lasting impact on literature, making him a key figure in the Victorian era and a celebrated part of literary heritage.