We propose, therefore, in a series of papers, to
take a somewhat deliberate survey of some few of the most noticeable
American plays. We shall do this without reference either to the
date of the composition or its adaptation for the closet or the stage.
We shall speak with absolute frankness both of merits and defects- our
principal object being understood not as that of mere commentary on
the individual play- but on the drama in general, and on the
American drama in especial, of which each individual play is a
constituent part. We will commence at once with
TORTESA, THE USURER
This is the third dramatic attempt of Mr. Willis, and may be
regarded as particularly successful, since it has received, both on
the stage and in the closet, no stinted measure of commendation.
This success, as well as the high reputation of the author, will
justify us in a more extended notice of the play than might, under
other circumstances, be desirable.
The story runs thus:- Tortesa, a usurer of Florence, and whose
character is a mingled web of good and evil feelings, gets into his
possession the palace and lands of a certain Count Falcone. The usurer
would wed the daughter (Isabella) of Valcone, not through love, but in
his own words,
"To please a devil that inhabits him-"
in fact, to mortify the pride of the nobility, and avenge himself of
their scorn.
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