Nicholas Rowe's Fair Penitent: A Contribution to Literary Analysis

Ferdinand H. Schwarz

ISBN 10: 1334479879 / ISBN 13: 9781334479878

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book is an exploration of the enduring legacy of English tragedy during the Restoration period. Specifically, it examines one of its most celebrated figures, the playwright Nicholas Rowe, and one of his most popular plays, "The Fair Penitent." The author delves into the literary and historical context of Rowe's work, connecting it to significant theatrical and cultural shifts of the time. The analysis highlights the play's exploration of themes such as love, honor, and morality, placing them within the wider discourse of Restoration drama. Through a nuanced discussion of "The Fair Penitent," the book sheds light on the complexities of human nature, the conflicts between personal desire and societal expectations, and the enduring power of tragedy in exploring these timeless themes. The author's insights offer a valuable contribution to the understanding of Restoration drama and its enduring significance in English literature. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781334479878_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Nicholas Rowe's Fair Penitent: A Contribution to Literary Analysis
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1334479879
• ISBN 13: 9781334479878
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Drama

About this title

Synopsis

Exploring a landmark tragedy and its echoes across centuries

Delve into a concise scholarly look at Nicholas Rowe's Fair Penitent and its relationship to Massinger's Fatal Dowry, as interpreted by critics from Johnson to Ward. This edition surveys how critics have judged structure, unity, and dramatic effect while tracing the influence of earlier plays on later adaptations.

The study frames why the tragedy has attracted both praise and debate, focusing on motives, dramatic unity, and the shift from old to modern sensibilities. It examines how reviewers have compared two centuries of dramatic writing, highlighting the tensions between fidelity to source material and creative reimagining.

• How critics assess unity of place, time, and action in a classic tragedy
• The debate over motive, character portrayal, and moral tone
• Comparative analysis of Rowe’s and Massinger’s approaches to adaptation
• Contextual discussion of reception from early editors to modern scholars

Ideal for readers of literary criticism, theatre history, and students seeking a focused, accessible entry into eighteenth‑century drama and its reception.