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As You Desire Me: A Modern Play by Luigi Pirandello

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As You Desire Me (Oberon Modern Plays)

by Luigi Pirandello

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	736 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	73 pages

Luigi Pirandello's "As You Desire Me" is a gripping psychological drama that delves into the intricate complexities of human identity, memory, and desire. First performed in 1931, the play remains a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Plot Summary

The play centers around the character of Elma, a young woman who has lost her memory as a result of a traumatic accident. She is found by a man named Federico, who claims to be her husband and takes her back to his home. However, Elma has no memory of Federico or their life together. As she tries to piece together her past, Elma becomes entangled in a web of deceit and conflicting identities.

Federico insists that Elma is his wife, Sofia, who disappeared five years earlier. However, Elma insists that she is not Sofia and that she has no memory of Federico. As the play progresses, it becomes clear that Federico is manipulating Elma in order to fulfill his own selfish desires.

Themes

"As You Desire Me" explores a number of complex and challenging themes, including:

Love and desire: The play explores the nature of love and desire, and how these emotions can be both destructive and redemptive. Elma's search for her true identity is driven by her desire to know who she is and who she loves.
Identity and memory: The play also examines the nature of identity and memory. Elma's amnesia forces her to question who she is and what her past has been. As she tries to piece together her past, she must confront the ways in which our memories shape our identities.
Deception and manipulation: The play also explores the themes of deception and manipulation. Federico is a manipulative and controlling character who uses Elma's amnesia to his own advantage. He lies to her, manipulates her, and ultimately tries to force her to become the woman he desires.

Characters

The play features a cast of complex and well-developed characters, including:

Elma: Elma is a young woman who has lost her memory as a result of a traumatic accident. She is a complex and sympathetic character who is struggling to find her true identity.
Federico: Federico is a manipulative and controlling man who claims to be Elma's husband. He is a complex and enigmatic character who is driven by his own selfish desires.
Anna: Anna is Elma's friend who helps her to piece together her past. She is a kind and compassionate character who is determined to help Elma find her true identity.

Setting

The play is set in Italy during the early 1930s. The setting is both realistic and symbolic, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. The play's use of setting also reflects the themes of the play, such as the nature of identity and memory.

"As You Desire Me" is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores the complex themes of love, identity, memory, and desire. The play's complex characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-read for anyone interested in psychological drama or modern theatre.

As You Desire Me (Oberon Modern Plays)

by Luigi Pirandello

5 out of 5