The Duke of Gandia

"The Duke of Gandia" by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a captivating play set in 15th-century Rome, diving into the dangerous world of the Borgia family and their ruthless pursuit of power. The story zooms in on Pope Alexander VI and his sons, Cæsar and Francesco, whose relationships are filled with tension and betrayal. Cæsar, a charming but morally questionable character, sees his brother Francesco as an obstacle to his ambitions. Driven by an insatiable hunger for control, Cæsar plots Francesco's murder, believing it's the only way to reach his goals. The play paints a picture of human nature's dark side, the conflicts between family loyalty and personal desire, and the ruin that comes with unchecked ambition, showcasing the family's tragic collapse, highlighting themes of love, guilt, and the heavy price of their choices within the luxurious but treacherous halls of the Vatican.