Politian: A Tragedy

The Oxford Companion to American Literature | 1995 | 700+ words | Copyright

Politian: A Tragedy, unfinished blank‐verse drama by Poe, of which selected scenes were published in the Southern Literary Messenger (1835–36). The work remained in manuscript until 1923, when it appeared in its entirety in a scholarly edition arranged by T.O. Mabbott. “The Coliseum” (1833) was incorporated in the text by Poe. Politian is based on the Kentucky Tragedy, but the scene is 16th‐century Rome.

Castiglione, son of the Duke Di Broglio, seduces his father's orphan ward Lalage. When he becomes engaged to his cousin Alessandra, Lalage swears that she will be avenged. Politian, Earl of Leicester, comes to Rome from England, falls in love with Lalage, and accepts her demand that he kill Castiglione. Irresolute, he postpones the act and goes to the Coliseum to meditate. There he is joined by Lalage, who reminds him that Castiglione's marriage is about to take place, and Politian departs to fulfill his promise.

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James D. Hart and and Phillip W. Leininger. "Politian: A Tragedy." The Oxford Companion to American Literature. 1995. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

James D. Hart and and Phillip W. Leininger. "Politian: A Tragedy." The Oxford Companion to American Literature. 1995. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O123-PolitianATragedy.html

James D. Hart and and Phillip W. Leininger. "Politian: A Tragedy." The Oxford Companion to American Literature. 1995. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O123-PolitianATragedy.html

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