Comedies by Holberg : Jeppe of the Hill, The Political Tinker, Erasmus Montanus   By: Ludvig Holberg (1684-1754)

Comedies by Holberg: Jeppe of the Hill, The Political Tinker, Erasmus Montanus, is a collection of three delightful plays written by the renowned Danish-Norwegian playwright Ludvig Holberg. Set against the backdrop of 18th-century Denmark, these comedies provide a satirical and thought-provoking look into the society of the time.

The first play, Jeppe of the Hill, introduces us to the titular character, a lazy and drunken peasant, who, after a night of heavy drinking, wakes up in the luxurious mansion of a nobleman. Mistaken for the nobleman himself, Jeppe is forced to navigate the complex world of the upper class while struggling with his own ignorance. Holberg cleverly uses Jeppe's naivety to shed light on the class divide and the absurdities of societal expectations.

Continuing with The Political Tinker, the play presents a scathing critique of politics and corruption. The story revolves around the character of Peder, a cunning and manipulative tinker who, through his clever tactics, manages to ascend the social ladder and eventually becomes a political figure. Holberg skillfully exposes the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of politicians, while also exploring the concept of power and its consequences.

Lastly, Erasmus Montanus is a play filled with intellectual wit and social satire. The protagonist, Erasmus, returns to his rural hometown after receiving an education at a prestigious university. Armed with his newly acquired knowledge, Erasmus arrogantly challenges the traditional beliefs and customs of his family and community. Holberg showcases the clash between traditionalism and modernity, highlighting the humorous consequences of challenging deeply ingrained beliefs.

Throughout the collection, Holberg's sharp wit and comedic timing shine, as he skillfully crafts relevant social commentaries through amusing and relatable characters. His ability to blend humor with social critique is truly commendable, and these plays have stood the test of time, still resonating with readers today.

Additionally, the translation of these plays is smooth and captures the essence of Holberg's original works. The language flows effortlessly, allowing readers to fully appreciate the clever wordplay and subtle jokes that abound in each comedy.

Comedies by Holberg: Jeppe of the Hill, The Political Tinker, Erasmus Montanus, is a captivating collection that showcases Ludvig Holberg's mastery of the comedy genre. Through his characters and their misadventures, he offers a thought-provoking examination of society, politics, and human nature. With its blend of humor, satire, and social commentary, this collection is an excellent choice for anyone looking to delve into classic comedic literature.

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Ludvig Holberg was born in Bergen, December 3, 1684, of good parentage on both sides. His mother was a granddaughter of a distinguished bishop, and his father an army officer who had risen from the ranks by personal merit. Bergen had long been a trading post of the Hanseatic League, and in the seventeenth centurv was distinctly cosmopolitan in character... Continue reading book >>