Ariadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five Acts

"Ariadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five Acts" by Vernon Lee is a dramatic work written in the early 20th century, showcasing elements of romance intertwined with themes of identity and societal constraints. Set against the backdrop of the historical city of Mantua, the play focuses on the profound complexities of human emotions and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations amidst a richly atmospheric setting. The narrative revolves around Diego, a young singer who is actually a woman in disguise, Magdalen, and her role in reviving the melancholic Duke Ferdinand of Mantua. As she navigates through the court's intrigues, her music acts as both a balm for the Duke and a subtle vector for her feelings. The central plot pivots on her hidden identity and the emotional stakes tied to her past with the Duke during his captivity. As the story unfolds, themes of love, sacrifice, and the dichotomy between impulsive desire and the restraint of duty culminate in a tragic climax, leading Diego/ Magdalen to a dramatic act of self-sacrifice which profoundly affects the Duke and those around him, illustrating the profound loneliness and anguish that shape their relationships. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Vernon Lee was the pseudonym of the British writer Violet Paget. She is remembered today primarily for her supernatural fiction and her work on aesthetics. An early follower of Walter Pater, she wrote over a dozen volumes of essays on art, music and travel.