41 pages 1 hour read

Tom Stoppard

Arcadia

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1993

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Arcadia by Tom Stoppard features dual plot lines: one set in the early 19th century and the other in contemporary times, both situated at Coverly Estate. The historical plot follows a young mathematician, Thomasina, and her tutor, Septimus, while the modern plot centers on academics Hannah and Bernard uncovering estate secrets. Themes of mathematics, literature, landscape gardening, and human relationships interweave through both timelines.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Tom Stoppard's Arcadia combines intellectual rigor with witty dialogue, engaging audiences through its intricate narrative structure that juxtaposes 19th-century and contemporary settings. Critics praise its clever exploration of themes like chaos theory and romanticism. However, some find the complex interweaving of timelines and scholarly references challenging, potentially alienating casual theatergoers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Arcadia?

A reader who enjoys intricate plots, intellectual banter, and a blend of science, literature, and history would revel in Tom Stoppard's Arcadia. Fans of A. S. Byatt's Possession or Michael Frayn's Copenhagen will appreciate the play's rich interweaving of academic pursuits, emotional depth, and philosophical inquiry.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Play: Tragedy

Play: Comedy / Satire

Topics

Science / Nature

Education

History: World

Themes

Values/Ideas: Science & Technology

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Life/Time: The Past