The Changeling
by William Rowley, Thomas Middleton

The Changeling Book Cover
The Changeling Cover

Highlights

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the complexity and darkness of 'The Changeling', often highlighting its unique blend of tragedy and dark comedy. Many find the character development, especially of Beatrice-Joanna and De Flores, intriguing and compelling. However, while the play captivates some with its themes of lust and betrayal, others feel disconnected, particularly when comparing it to Shakespeare's works.

Complex characters Dark humor and themes Engaging and intense plot Some found it disappointing Not as good as Shakespeare

Synopsis

Thomas Middleton (1580-1627), a bricklayer's son, rose to become one of the most eminent playwrights of the Jacobean period.

Along with Ben Johnson he helped shape the dynamic course of drama in Renaissance England.

His range is broad, as his work successfully covers comedy, tragedy, and history.

Praised during his life as well as today, Middleton remains relevant and influential.

The Changeling (1630) was composed with the aid of Middleton's friend William Rowley, also an established playwright.

The drama tells of the destructive powers of vice and lust.

Beatrice-Joanna is a young woman betrothed to Alonzo de Piracquo, yet Beatrice-Joanna is truly in love with another-the nobleman Alsemero.

Beatrice-Joanna uses manipulative and violent means to rid herself of her suitor Alsemero.

The ensuing drama results in a catastrophic tragedy, leaving only a few to contemplate justice and passion.

The characters, style, and action of The Changeling effortlessly come together, making it one of the greatest tragedies of its time.

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The Changeling by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley

Publication

Publisher Nick Hern Books
Year 2001
Binding Paperback
Edition Revised ed.
Pages 160
Place London
Language English
ISBN-13 9781854591920
ISBN-10 1854591924
eISBN-13 9781780012667

The Changeling is a British play written by William Rowley and published by Nick Hern Books in London (2001).

Digital editions available on Amazon Kindle, Apple Books (eISBN 9781780012667).

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3k ratings · 66 reviews

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