The Piccolomini By: Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805)
The Piccolomini by Friedrich Schiller is a captivating play that delves into the complex world of politics, love, and loyalty. Set during the Thirty Years' War, the story follows the lives of several key characters who are torn between their personal desires and their duty to their country. One of the main characters, Octavio, serves as a general in the Imperial army. He is a loyal supporter of the Habsburg dynasty and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their success. Octavio's unwavering dedication to his cause makes him a formidable and ruthless leader, but it also blinds him to the personal sacrifices being made by those closest to him. Max Piccolomini, Octavio's son, provides a contrasting perspective. A young officer in the Imperial army, Max becomes enamored with Thekla, the daughter of a Swedish general. The conflict between his duty to his father and his growing love for Thekla is at the heart of the play. Max's struggle is further complicated by his friendship with an influential Swedish officer, who ultimately tries to recruit him to join the opposing side. Schiller skillfully weaves together various themes and conflicts within The Piccolomini. The political and military backdrop of the Thirty Years' War adds depth and provides a platform to explore the clash between loyalty and self-interest. The play's exploration of love, particularly the conflicts it engenders, is also thought-provoking and adds an emotional layer to the story. The language and dialogue in The Piccolomini are beautifully written, elevating the play beyond a simple historical drama. Schiller's masterful use of language creates a vivid atmosphere and brings the characters to life. The poetic monologues and introspective dialogues reveal the inner struggles and motivations of each character, allowing the reader to empathize and fully engage with their dilemmas. One aspect that could have been improved is the pacing of the play. At times, the plot moves slowly, with lengthy dialogues that may feel unnecessary to some readers. However, this deliberate pace allows for a deep exploration of the characters' thoughts and emotions, enabling a better understanding of their complex motivations. Overall, The Piccolomini is a compelling play that explores the human complexities of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Schiller's eloquent writing and rich character development make this a thought-provoking and engaging read. It is a powerful reminder that even in times of war and political turmoil, the choices we make and the relationships we forge can shape our destinies in unexpected ways. First Page: THE PICCOLOMINI By Frederich Schiller Translated by S. T. Coleridge. "Upon the whole there can be no doubt that this trilogy forms, in its original tongue, one of the most splendid specimens of tragic art the world has witnessed; and none at all, that the execution of the version from which we have quoted so largely, places Mr. Coleridge in the very first rank of poetical translators. He is, perhaps, the solitary example of a man of very great original genius submitting to all the labors, and reaping all the honors of this species of literary exertion." Blackwood, 1823. PREFACE. The two dramas, PICCOLOMINI, or the first part of WALLENSTEIN, and the DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN, are introduced in the original manuscript by a prelude in one act, entitled WALLENSTEIN'S CAMP. This is written in rhyme, and in nine syllable verse, in the same lilting metre (if that expression may be permitted), with the second Eclogue of Spenser's Shepherd's Calendar. This prelude possesses a sort of broad humor, and is not deficient in character: but to have translated it into prose, or into any other metre than that of the original, would have given a false idea both of its style and purport; to have translated it into the same metre would have been incompatible with a faithful adherence to the sense of the German from the comparative poverty of our language in rhymes; and it would have been unadvisable, from the incongruity of those lax verses with the present taste of the English public... Continue reading book >>

The Piccolomini By: Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805)

The Piccolomini by Friedrich Schiller is a captivating play that delves into the complex world of politics, love, and loyalty. Set during the Thirty Years' War, the story follows the lives of several key characters who are torn between their personal desires and their duty to their country.

One of the main characters, Octavio, serves as a general in the Imperial army. He is a loyal supporter of the Habsburg dynasty and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their success. Octavio's unwavering dedication to his cause makes him a formidable and ruthless leader, but it also blinds him to the personal sacrifices being made by those closest to him.

Max Piccolomini, Octavio's son, provides a contrasting perspective. A young officer in the Imperial army, Max becomes enamored with Thekla, the daughter of a Swedish general. The conflict between his duty to his father and his growing love for Thekla is at the heart of the play. Max's struggle is further complicated by his friendship with an influential Swedish officer, who ultimately tries to recruit him to join the opposing side.

Schiller skillfully weaves together various themes and conflicts within The Piccolomini. The political and military backdrop of the Thirty Years' War adds depth and provides a platform to explore the clash between loyalty and self-interest. The play's exploration of love, particularly the conflicts it engenders, is also thought-provoking and adds an emotional layer to the story.

The language and dialogue in The Piccolomini are beautifully written, elevating the play beyond a simple historical drama. Schiller's masterful use of language creates a vivid atmosphere and brings the characters to life. The poetic monologues and introspective dialogues reveal the inner struggles and motivations of each character, allowing the reader to empathize and fully engage with their dilemmas.

One aspect that could have been improved is the pacing of the play. At times, the plot moves slowly, with lengthy dialogues that may feel unnecessary to some readers. However, this deliberate pace allows for a deep exploration of the characters' thoughts and emotions, enabling a better understanding of their complex motivations.

Overall, The Piccolomini is a compelling play that explores the human complexities of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Schiller's eloquent writing and rich character development make this a thought-provoking and engaging read. It is a powerful reminder that even in times of war and political turmoil, the choices we make and the relationships we forge can shape our destinies in unexpected ways.

First Page:

THE PICCOLOMINI

By Frederich Schiller

Translated by S. T. Coleridge.

"Upon the whole there can be no doubt that this trilogy forms, in its original tongue, one of the most splendid specimens of tragic art the world has witnessed; and none at all, that the execution of the version from which we have quoted so largely, places Mr. Coleridge in the very first rank of poetical translators. He is, perhaps, the solitary example of a man of very great original genius submitting to all the labors, and reaping all the honors of this species of literary exertion." Blackwood, 1823.

PREFACE.

The two dramas, PICCOLOMINI, or the first part of WALLENSTEIN, and the DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN, are introduced in the original manuscript by a prelude in one act, entitled WALLENSTEIN'S CAMP. This is written in rhyme, and in nine syllable verse, in the same lilting metre (if that expression may be permitted), with the second Eclogue of Spenser's Shepherd's Calendar.

This prelude possesses a sort of broad humor, and is not deficient in character: but to have translated it into prose, or into any other metre than that of the original, would have given a false idea both of its style and purport; to have translated it into the same metre would have been incompatible with a faithful adherence to the sense of the German from the comparative poverty of our language in rhymes; and it would have been unadvisable, from the incongruity of those lax verses with the present taste of the English public... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Play
War stories

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Wikipedia – Friedrich Schiller
Wikipedia – The Piccolomini

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