The Lamp and the Bell: A Drama In Five Acts

Name: The Lamp and the Bell: A Drama In Five Acts
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

By Edna St. Vincent Millay

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Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

A five-act drama set in a palace traces the upheaval that follows a queen's death as a king's contemplated remarriage and the arrival of a new woman unsettle court life. Two young women raised at court sustain a close friendship while confronting rivalry, matchmaking, and rival claims of affection; servants, courtiers, and strolling players complicate loyalty and rumor. The play shifts between intimate domestic scenes and public ceremonial episodes, employing poetic dialogue and theatrical spectacle to probe grief, companionship, social rank, and the performative demands of authority and identity.

About the Author

Edna St. Vincent Millay

Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950) was an American poet and playwright known for her lyrical style and exploration of themes such as love, nature, and feminism. She gained prominence with her poem "Renascence," which showcased her talent at a young age. Millay's work often reflects her passionate spirit and commitment to social issues, making her a significant figure in 20th-century literature. Her collection "A Few Figs from Thistles" is particularly noted for its boldness and emotional depth. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1923, solidifying her place in the literary canon.