Within and Without a Dramatic Poem

Within And Without A Dramatic Poem is a multi-part verse drama by George Macdonald published in 1872. The work follows Julian, a monk who wrestles with faith, doubt, and the claims of religious authority while seeking a direct encounter with the divine. Spanning Part I through Part IV (and beyond), the poem interweaves scenes from monastic life, moral crisis, and romantic entanglements, chiefly the relationship between Julian and Lilia, a noblewoman whom he loves and with whom he faces social consequences, vows, and forgiveness. The narrative blends prayer, inner struggle, and external conflict—monastic discipline, church politics, and the tragic and redemptive arcs of its characters—into a lyrical, dramatic exploration of spirituality, love, and the quest for meaning. Dream sequences, visionary episodes, and a concluding reconciliation weave together themes of beauty, suffering, and salvation, all conveyed in MacDonald’s characteristic blend of imaginative poetry and metaphysical meditation.