53 pages 1 hour read

Anonymous

Arden of Faversham

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1592

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Arden of Faversham is an Elizabethan domestic tragedy about Thomas Arden, who becomes distressed over his wife Alice's infidelity with her lover Mosby. Unable to divorce, Alice and Mosby plot to murder Arden, enlisting various accomplices who embark on a series of failed attempts. Eventually, they succeed, but their conspiracy is exposed, leading to their arrests. The play features on-stage portrayals of spousal murder.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Arden of Faversham by Anonymous offers a compelling blend of dark comedy and domestic tragedy. Readers appreciate the vivid depiction of early modern marital discord and the intricate plotting. However, some find the pacing uneven and the characters' motivations occasionally implausible. Overall, it remains a fascinating example of early English drama.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Arden of Faversham?

Readers who enjoy early modern drama, crime stories, and domestic tragedies would relish Arden of Faversham by Anonymous. Fans of works like Shakespeare's Macbeth and Thomas Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy will appreciate the play's intricate plot and exploration of betrayal, ambition, and morality.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Play: Tragedy

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Period

Elizabethan Era

Themes

Identity: Sexuality

Identity: Femininity

Society: Class