Semiramis, and Other Plays

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23234

Title

Semiramis, and Other Plays

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A dramatic historical tragedy set in ancient Assyria, this play follows Semiramis, the daughter of the governor of Nineveh, who rises from a grieving daughter to a celebrated military leader. When her father is mortally wounded and her brother captured, she must navigate political intrigue and personal sacrifice to save her family while challenging the king's authority and embracing her destiny as a queen.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in ancient Assyria, Olive Tilford Dargan's play *Semiramis* dramatizes the rise of a legendary queen through a narrative of war, family loyalty, and political ambition. The story opens with Semiramis, the daughter of Governor Menones, vigilantly awaiting news of her father before Nineveh. When the enemy approaches, Menones flees in terror, leaving Semiramis to rally the troops. She leads the army to a decisive victory against the Armenians, capturing their prince, Khosrove, and rescuing her brother, Artavan. Upon her triumph, King Ninus declares Semiramis his bride and queen. However, the celebration is abruptly halted when Ninus orders the execution of Khosrove, whom he blames for the loss of his father's honor. Semiramis pleads for her brother's life, offering her own hand in marriage to save him, but Ninus initially refuses, demanding she choose between her father and her brother. In a moment of profound grief, Semiramis learns that Menones has died. Rejecting the king's offer of power without her family, she declares that her ambition now serves the hearts of her subjects rather than just the throne. She demands the life of her brother as the price for her loyalty. Moved by her determination and the loyalty of her people, Ninus swears to spare Khosrove. The play concludes with Semiramis accepting her new role as queen, vowing to lead Assyria to glory. Having transformed from a warrior's daughter into a legendary ruler, she values her family above all else, yet embraces a destiny that elevates her above mere mortal ambition. Through her actions, Dargan explores themes of duty versus emotion, the nature of true leadership, and the transformative power of love and sacrifice in the face of tyranny and tragedy.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Drama
• Biography