Amphitryon 38 (Masterplots, Revised Second Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Jean Giraudoux
- First Published: 1929
- Type of Work: Drama
- Type of Plot: Mock-heroic
- Time of Work: Antiquity
- Setting: In and about Amphitryon’s palace, Thebes
- Principal Characters: Jupiter, Mercury, Amphitryon, Alkmena, Sosie, Leda
- Genres: Drama, Farce, Mock-heroic drama
- Subjects: Mythology or myths, Mistaken or secret identity, Jealousy, envy, or resentment, Adultery, Gods or goddesses, Servants, Heroes or heroism, Greek or Roman times, Greece or Greek people, Impostors or imposture
- Locales: Greece, ancient, Thebes, ancient
The Story:
Basking on a cloud and spying on Alkmena, Jupiter and Mercury laid plans for the seduction of Alkmena as if preparing for a tasty banquet. In order to remove Amphitryon from his bedchamber, Mercury suggested that Jupiter have the Athenians declare war on Thebes. Amphitryon, a stalwart general of the Theban army, would hurry to engage the enemy. Mercury could then take the place of Sosie, a servant, and tell Alkmena that Amphitryon would momentarily desert the battle and return to her bed that night. Jupiter could impersonate Amphitryon and partake of the delectable...
[The entire page is 1796 words long]
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