The Dramatic Works of Thomas Nabbes [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1918 edition. Excerpt: ...a problem and thus truer to life. The dramatist's fidelity to the historical Roman attitude toward Hannibal, as well as his fidelity to Hannibal's character, portrays the hero to the last an enemy to Rome, firm in conviction of Scipio's intent to betray him, and, as Scipio reminds him, possibly forging by this act of mental injustice, fetters for his own spiritual life. This subtle suggestion of a spiritual tragedy completing Hannibal's tragedy of death, gives to his character, devoted as it has been from his oath on the burning altar, at nine years of age, a higher dramatic unity throughout the play. As he sacrificed his private affections for Carthage and for her, narrowed his mind to one idea, that of eternal enmity to Rome, so in his banishment and self-inflicted death, he offered upon the altar of Carthage his last and richest sacrifice, that of his spiritual freedom. The patriotic extreme in Hannibal's death scene is offset dramatically by the crowning point in the career of Scipio in whom the soldier ready at his country's need, gave way in leisure to the practical philosopher who understood Rome's failings and could evade their results because he had witnessed the ingratitude of Carthage to Hannibal. Carthage Thy base ingratitude to him whose merit But justly challenged all that thou could'st owne Shall teach me a prevention, Solitude "Q. 11. 1824-1836, A. V:2. Is the soules best companion. At Linturnum My country villa I will terminate My after life free from mens flatteries, And feare of their leane envie. V The Question Concerning "A Former Play" The preceding analysis of the tragedy, Hannibal and Scipio pointed to an unevenness of structure which at times amounts nearly to a contradiction of dramatic purpose. For example, in the...