Nine Great Plays: From Aeschylus to Eliot, edited by Leonard F. Dean, is a curated anthology that traverses the evolution of Western drama, offering readers a rich selection of seminal works accompanied by insightful introductions. Dean's general introduction contextualizes each play, enhancing the reader's appreciation of their historical and cultural significance. The collection includes the following plays:
-Aeschylus, "Agamemnon" (translated by Louis MacNeice): The first play in the Oresteia trilogy, it depicts King Agamemnon's return home from the Trojan War and his subsequent murder, exploring themes of justice and vengeance.
-Sophocles, "King Oedipus" (translated by W.B. Yeats): This tragedy follows Oedipus, the King of Thebes, as he unwittingly fulfills a prophecy that leads to catastrophic consequences for himself and his family.
-Ben Jonson, "Volpone, or the Fox": A satirical comedy that portrays the cunning schemes of Volpone, a wealthy Venetian, who deceives legacy hunters to amass more wealth.
-Molière, "The Misanthrope" (translated by Henri Van Laun): This comedy examines the contradictions of social etiquette through Alceste, who despises societal hypocrisy yet is enamored with Célimène, a woman embodying the traits he detests.
- William Congreve, "The Way of the World": A Restoration comedy highlighting the complexities of love and marriage among the English upper class, focusing on the relationship between Mirabell and Millamant.
-Henrik Ibsen, "The Wild Duck" (translated by Frances E. Archer): This play delves into the destructive nature of idealism as Gregers Werle's pursuit of truth disrupts the life of the Ekdal family.
-Anton Chekhov, "The Cherry Orchard" (translated by Jennie Covan): A poignant narrative about an aristocratic family's struggle to adapt to societal changes, symbolized by the impending sale of their cherished cherry orchard.
-Eugene O’Neill, "The Emperor Jones": This expressionist play chronicles the rise and fall of Brutus Jones, an African American who declares himself emperor of a Caribbean island, exploring themes of power and identity.
- T.S. Eliot, "Murder in the Cathedral": A verse drama that portrays the martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Becket, reflecting on the conflict between church and state.
About the Editor
Leonard F. Dean was a distinguished professor of English, serving as the Chair of the English Department at the University of Minnesota. He later became Professor Emeritus at New York University, contributing significantly to literary scholarship and education.
