"Eurydice"

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces and analyzes the play, "Eurydice'" by Jean Anouilh. Specifically, it discusses the contrasting idealism and realism in two representative places in the story and whether Eurydice is innocent or not. It examines how the themes of idealism, innocence, and realism intertwine to form the backdrop for a startling group of players, with the innocent and yet worldly Eurydice at the pivot point of the play. It also looks at the underlying meaning the author is attempting to get across to his audience. This tragic story shows how love can affect people and bring out the best and worst in people.

From the Paper:

"The play contrasts idealism and realism quite effectively. Idealism shows itself from the start, when the two characters fall in love with each other without knowing a thing about each other. Playwright Anouilh writes, "'I'll never leave you.' 'Will you swear that?'" (Anouilh 66). These two do not know each other, and yet they already are pledging themselves to each other. This is the ultimate in idealism. Here it is shown as young and innocent love that believes anything is possible. The two "children" have not lived enough to understand the difficulties and realism of life, and so, they believe their love is possible, which of course, it is not. Eurydice sees this dimly when she says, "'D'you think you'll make me very unhappy?'" (Anouilh 66). She says it almost as if she does not believe it, and yet, she is worldly enough to know that the idealism of youth is soon replaced by the reality of age, because she was ravaged young, and has lived a hard life. Orpheus embodies the innocence and idealism of the couple, because he will do anything to stay with Eurydice, even abandon his father and consort with the devil. Orpheus is idealism personified, while Eurydice leans toward realism, because her life has actually been more difficult even than Orpheus' life."

More papers on "Eurydice":

• Analytical Essay # 7141 : "Orpheus and Eurydice"
• Analytical Essay # 139553 : "Love in Plato's "Speech of Diotima" and Ovid's "Orpheus"
• Essay # 84546 : "Black Orpheus"

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