The Treason and Death of Benedict Arnold: A Play for a Greek Theatre

"The Treason and Death of Benedict Arnold: A Play for a Greek Theatre" by John Jay Chapman is a historical drama that examines the life and infamous betrayal of Benedict Arnold, a celebrated general who turned against the American Revolution. Set during the formative years of the United States, the play grapples with profound subjects such as honor, revenge, and the inner struggles of those who commit treason. Organized across two acts, from the Hudson River to Arnold's home in England, the story features figures like Major Andre and Joshua Smith, alongside allegorical characters like Treason and Death. The play reveals Arnold's deep conflict, triggered by his perception of being wronged by the very nation he served, growing more intense as he defects to the British and earns his place in history as a traitor, weaving together his longing for redemption and inevitable ruin, and offering a deep look at the effects of ambition on one's sense of self.