3 Review(s)

The Stranger by August von Kotzebue, first published in 1797, is a five-act drama that delves into themes of human nature, love, and social convention. The play centers around the character of the Stranger, a mysterious man who arrives in a small town with a secret past. His arrival stirs curiosity and suspicion among the townsfolk, and his interactions with various characters reveal deeper layers of emotional and social conflict. The Stranger is soon entangled in a complex web of relationships, especially with the family of a nobleman, where he becomes involved with the beautiful, virtuous Emilie.The core of the drama revolves around the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, especially the conflict between duty and personal desires. The Stranger, as the central figure, represents the outsider who challenges societal norms, making his true intentions and background a matter of intrigue. As the play unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the Stranger’s hidden past is exposed, bringing about moments of redemption and tragedy. His presence in the town forces the characters to confront their own weaknesses, prejudices, and the impact of their actions on others.