For Love of the King: A Burmese Masque

Oscar Wilde 지음

수아르 2024년 12월 10일 출간

작품소개

책소개

Oscar Wilde's For Love of the King: A Burmese Masque is a play written in the late 19th century that reflects Wilde's fascination with Eastern aesthetics and his signature ornate style. Classified as a masque or pantomimic play, it delves into themes of love, duty, and the conflicts of fate, set against the lush backdrop of ancient Burma.
The narrative centers on King Meng Beng, a young and sensitive ruler, who becomes captivated by Shah Mah Phrun, a striking girl of mixed Italian and Burmese heritage. Seeking protection from her adversaries, Mah Phrun finds solace with Meng Beng, and the two build a happy life together in the jungle for two years. However, their idyllic existence begins to crumble as Meng Beng faces the demands of his royal responsibilities, including an arranged marriage to a Ceylonese princess.
At the climax, Meng Beng is torn between his deep love for Mah Phrun and his obligations as a king. Ultimately, he chooses his duties, leading to a poignant and bittersweet resolution. The play poignantly portrays the fleeting and often painful nature of love, as well as the heavy burden of kingship.

목차

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY
ACT I
SCENE I
SCENE II
SCENE III
ACT II
SCENE I
ACT III
SCENE I
SCENE II
SCENE III
SCENE IV
SCENE V
Footnotes:

인물정보

저자(글) Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish writer and playwright renowned for his wit and sharp social commentary. Born in Dublin, he excelled at Oxford and became a leading figure in London’s literary circles. His works, including The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest, challenged Victorian norms and celebrated aestheticism. Despite his success, Wilde faced imprisonment for his same-sex relationships, which marked a tragic turn in his life. After his release, he lived in exile in France, where he wrote the reflective The Ballad of Reading Gaol. Wilde passed away in 1900, leaving a legacy as a literary icon and a symbol of resistance to societal conventions.