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.

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.

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.

Dark / Suspenseful / Mysterious / Unnerving / Gritty

Anonymous

Adult

Play

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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Arden of Faversham Summary and Study Guide

Background

Arden of Faversham Background

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Scene Summaries & Analyses

Scene 1

Arden of Faversham Scene 1 Scene Summary & Analysis

Scenes 2-8

Arden of Faversham Scenes 2-8 Scene Summary & Analysis

Scenes 9-13

Arden of Faversham Scenes 9-13 Scene Summary & Analysis

Scenes 14-Epilogue

Arden of Faversham Scenes 14-Epilogue Scene Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Arden of Faversham Character Analysis

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Themes

Arden of Faversham Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Arden of Faversham Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Arden of Faversham Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

Arden of Faversham Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Arden of Faversham Essay Topics

Arden of Faversham

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Arden of Faversham?

Reading Age

Book Details