Aglavaine and Selysette

Aglavaine and Selysette is a play written by the Belgian playwright and Nobel laureate, Maurice Maeterlinck. The play was first published in 1896 and was later produced on stage in 1899. The story revolves around two sisters, Aglavaine and Selysette, who are visited by a mysterious stranger named Michael. Michael is seeking refuge from his enemies and the sisters agree to shelter him. As the play progresses, the relationships between the characters become increasingly complex and the true intentions of Michael are revealed. The play explores themes of love, betrayal, and the nature of human relationships. Maeterlinck’s writing style is characterized by its poetic language and symbolism, which adds to the dreamlike and otherworldly atmosphere of the play. Overall, Aglavaine and Selysette is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged work that continues to be studied and performed today.1911. Maeterlinck, the Belgian poet, dramatist, essayist and winner of the 1911 Nobel Prize in Literature, whose literary career began with the publication of two volumes of poetry. Lack of action, fatalism, mysticism, and the constant presence of death characterize the works of Maeterlinck. The shadow of death looms even larger in his later plays. The most inspired of Maeterlinck’s dramas is unquestionably Aglavaine and Selysette. Meleandre, who has married the sweet, timid Selysette, begins to love the noble Aglavaine, a love Aglavaine returns. Selysette, a tender creature, full of abnegation, resolves to sacrifice herself for the happiness of her husband and Aglavaine. She leans out of an old turret, falls, not into the sea, but onto the sand of the beach and is wounded. Even on the verge of death she is unselfish; wishing to spare them remorse, she tries to pretend to Meleandre and Aglavaine that her fall from the tower was accidental. In this drama all of the characters are noble and generous. The play ranks among the most beautiful poetic creations of the century. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.