| Author |
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832 |
| Translator |
Swanwick, Anna, 1813-1899 |
| Title |
Egmont
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| Note |
Reading ease score: 83.2 (6th grade). Easy to read.
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| Credits |
Produced by an Anonymous Volunteer, and David Widger
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| Summary |
"Egmont" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a tragedy written in the late 18th century. The play is set against the backdrop of the revolt in the Low Countries against Spanish rule, focusing on Count Egmont, a celebrated military leader who becomes embroiled in political strife and personal dilemmas amidst the rising tension between Protestant reformers and Catholic authorities. The opening of the tragedy introduces us to a lively scene of citizens and soldiers, celebrating their victories while expressing discontent with Spanish rule and the oppressive climate introduced by the Inquisition. We see the citizens toast their beloved Count Egmont, who is revered for his bravery and leadership, as well as his approachable and benevolent demeanor. Meanwhile, Egmont is portrayed as a complex character, caught between his public persona and internal concerns about the escalating unrest and impending dangers. The dialogue reveals the unrest simmering in the Low Countries, setting the stage for the political turmoil that will lead to Egmont’s tragic fate. Overall, the beginning of "Egmont" establishes a rich historical context and introduces central themes of loyalty, power, and the consequences of action versus inaction, drawing readers into the dramatic tension of the unfolding events. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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| Language |
English |
| LoC Class |
PT: Language and Literatures: Germanic, Scandinavian, and Icelandic literatures
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| Subject |
Egmont, Lamoraal, Graaf van, 1522-1568 -- Drama
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| Subject |
Tragedies
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| Category |
Text |
| EBook-No. |
1945 |
| Release Date |
Oct 1, 1999 |
| Most Recently Updated |
May 25, 2016 |
| Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads |
305 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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