The Greatest "Plays, Venice" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Plays

Plays are a category of literature that consists of written works intended for performance on stage. They typically feature dialogue between characters and are structured into acts and scenes. Plays can be comedic, tragic, or a combination of both, and often explore themes such as love, power, and morality. They are meant to be performed by actors in front of an audience, and can be enjoyed both as written works and as live performances.

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  1. 1. Othello by William Shakespeare

    "Othello" is a tragic play about a Moorish general in the Venetian army who is manipulated by his ensign into believing that his wife is unfaithful. Consumed by jealousy, the general kills his wife, only to discover that she was innocent. Filled with remorse, he then takes his own life. The play explores themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and racism.

  2. 2. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

    This classic play follows the story of a merchant in Venice who is in dire financial straits and borrows money from a Jewish moneylender, promising a pound of his own flesh as collateral. When he is unable to repay the debt, the moneylender demands his due, leading to a court case and moral dilemma about mercy and justice. Meanwhile, the moneylender's daughter elopes with a Christian, further complicating the relationships between characters. The narrative explores themes of prejudice, love, and the law.

  3. 3. Volpone by Ben Jonson

    "Volpone" is a satirical comedy set in 17th century Venice, where the cunning protagonist, Volpone, and his servant, Mosca, swindle the city's wealthy elite by pretending Volpone is on his deathbed and in need of a worthy heir. This prompts a series of greedy contenders who offer extravagant gifts in hope of being named the heir. Despite their successful deceit, their scheme is eventually exposed, leading to their downfall. The story serves as a critique of greed and corruption, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked ambition.

  4. 4. Venice Preserv'd by Thomas Otway

    "Venice Preserv'd" is a tragic play set in the politically tumultuous city of Venice, where conspiracy and betrayal intertwine with personal drama. The plot centers around Jaffeir, a noble Venetian who joins a group of conspirators aiming to overthrow the corrupt government after feeling betrayed by the state. His loyalty is tested when he must choose between his allegiance to the conspiracy and his love for Belvidera, the daughter of a senator. As the story unfolds, the characters are caught in a web of intrigue, leading to a climax that exposes the complexities of honor, friendship, and the devastating consequences of political and personal treachery.

  5. 5. The Servant Of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni

    The play is a classic Italian comedy that revolves around the clever and resourceful Truffaldino, who seeks to serve two different masters simultaneously in the hope of doubling his income. The ensuing plot is a whirlwind of mistaken identities, love triangles, and comedic confusions. As Truffaldino scrambles to keep his dual employment a secret, the characters are entangled in a series of humorous situations involving love-struck young lovers, a feisty soubrette, and a pair of stern fathers. The play culminates in a series of revelations and reconciliations that restore social order and conclude with festive celebrations.

  6. 6. La Triologia Della Villegiatura by Carlo Goldoni

    "La Trilogia della Villegiatura" is a series of three comedies that satirize the habits and foibles of the middle class in 18th-century Italy as they engage in the fashionable practice of taking a holiday in the countryside. The trilogy follows a group of friends and their families as they navigate the social and romantic complexities of their vacation. Throughout the plays, the characters deal with issues of love, marriage, and social status, revealing the pretentiousness and shallowness of their behavior. The author uses wit and humor to critique the obsession with appearances and the frivolity of his contemporaries, while also exploring deeper themes of human nature and relationships.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download