Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 3 / A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20851

Title

Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 3 / A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive reference guide defining characters, titles, and allusions from romance, fiction, and drama. This volume offers concise biographical sketches and plot summaries for figures ranging from historical figures like Charles II to literary icons like Mark Tapley and Don Quixote, serving as an essential companion for readers of classic literature.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume III of *Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama* by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer serves as a comprehensive encyclopedia of names, concepts, and figures within English literature and folklore. This revised edition connects readers to the vast cultural tapestry of fiction by explaining the origins of titles, the significance of dramatic roles, and the moral lessons embedded in classic narratives. The volume features detailed entries for iconic characters such as Mark Tapley from Charles Dickens' *Martin Chuzzlewit*, a serving companion who learns to find genuine joy amidst extreme hardship, and Silas Marner from George Eliot's novel, a miser who achieves redemption through the adoption of a child. Mythological figures are also contextualized, including Sisyphus, punished eternally for his avarice by rolling a stone uphill, and King Midas, cursed with donkey ears for his poor judgment in a musical contest. The text further explores historical and literary personalities, such as the Maronites, a Syrian religious sect, and Charles II, known as the 'Merry Monarch.' Dramatic roles are scrutinized, from the dictatorial nature of Sir Oracle in Shakespeare's *The Merchant of Venice* to tragic tales like the abduction of Rebecca. Additionally, the book details the lives of poets and artists, including the Italian poet Metastasio and the sculptor Pierre Puget. Through these extensive sketches, the volume illuminates the broader historical and cultural contexts of literature, offering insight into the lives of poets, the evolution of dramatic archetypes, and the enduring moral themes found in works ranging from Shakespeare to modern novels.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Literature