The Malcontent (Masterplots, Revised Second Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: John Marston
- First Published: 1604
- Type of Work: Drama
- Type of Plot: Tragicomedy
- Time of Work: Thirteenth century
- Setting: Genoa, Italy
- Principal Characters: Giovanni Altofronto, Pietro Jacomo, Mendoza, Ferneze, Aurelia, Maria, Bilioso, Maquerelle, Celso, Emilia, Biancha, Passarello
- Genres: Satire, Drama, Comedy, Tragicomedy
- Subjects: Mistaken or secret identity, Betrayal, Italy or Italians, Middle Ages, Thirteenth century, Nobility, Royal courts or courtiers
- Locales: Genoa, Italy
The Story:
Duke Altofronto had been banished from Genoa. A political coup staged by Mendoza with the help of the Florentines had brought the weak Pietro Jacomo to power through his marriage to Aurelia, the daughter of a powerful Florentine leader. Altofronto, disguised as Malevole, prepared to bide his time until the state wearied of the new duke. Altofronto’s devoted duchess, Maria, waited faithfully in prison for his return, and Celso acted as his secret informant on matters of state.
As the Malcontent, Altofronto was described as a likable person of marked...
[The entire page is 2385 words long]
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