Locrine: A Tragedy

"Locrine: A Tragedy" by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a play centered on King Locrine of Britain and the drama surrounding his wife, Guendolen, and his love affair with Estrild. The story explores themes of love, disloyalty, and revenge as the characters become entangled in a tragic story that tests honor against desire within royalty. The story starts by showing the raw emotions and conflicts within the royal family, beginning with Guendolen and her son Madan dealing with the death of her father. Guendolen feels betrayed by Locrine and secretly suspects that he is cheating on her with Estrild, a captive. Madan attempts to understand his mother's pain while struggling with his own connection to his father, setting the stage for themes of rivalry and revenge.