What is the plot of Hrotsvitha play Dulcitius?

Governor Dulcitius of Macedonia seeks out the holy virgins Agape, Chionia, and Irene with intent to rape them. He enters their dwelling, but his evil intent is negated: he becomes the victim of a delusion, under which he mistakes for the objects of his passion the saucepans and frying pans in the kitchen.

Is Dulcitius a morality play?

Illustrating the work of a male and a female playwright, the plays “Everyman” and “Dulcitius” combine ideas popular in morality and miracle plays. During the Middle Ages, plays centered around aspects of Christian faith and history; both of these works exemplify this tradition.

Which sister is shot with an arrow in Dulcitius?

Later, by order of Diocletian, he hands the maidens over to the care of Sisinnius, who is charged with their punishment. Sisinnius in his turn is made the sport of the most strange delusions, but at length succeeds in getting Agape and Chionia burnt, and Irena shot to death with arrows.

Is Dulcitius a comedy?

Dulcitius is a Latin comedy written by Hrosvitha of Gandersheim, a member of the female Abbey of Gandersheim in Lower Saxony. The play treats the figure of Dulcitius, governor of Thessalonica, as a subject for a comedy in the style of Terence.

What did Hrotsvitha do?

She is considered the first female writer from the German Lands, the first female historian, the first person since antiquity to write dramas in the Latin West, and the first female poet in Germany. Hrotsvitha’s six short dramas are considered to be her most important works.

Who is the first known female playwright?

Hrotsvitha of Gandersheim
The first female playwright is credited as being the German Hrotsvitha of Gandersheim around 935-1005. She wrote drama in Latin about female characters who are converted to Christianity.

What happened to the three sisters in Dulcitius?

The Roman Emperor Diocletian wants members of his imperial court to marry three virgin sisters: Agape, Chionia, and Irena. He insists the sisters renounce their Christian faith and worship the Roman gods. When they refuse, the emperor orders them imprisoned and examined by Governor Dulcitius.

When did Hrosvitha of Gandersheim write Dulcitius?

Dulcitius is a Latin comedy written by Hrosvitha of Gandersheim, a member of the female Abbey of Gandersheim in Lower Saxony. Written between 935-973, Dulcitius is widely believed to be her most comic work.

Who is the author of the play Dulcitius?

Dulcitius (play) Dulcitius is a Latin comedy written by Hrosvitha of Gandersheim, a member of the female Abbey of Gandersheim in Lower Saxony. Written between 935–973, Dulcitius is widely believed to be her most comic work.

Who are the three sisters in the play Dulcitius?

Although the play is dark, with a plot that depicts the imprisonment and martyrdom of the three sisters, Agape, Chionia, and Irena, nevertheless its content is presumably deemed less grave because of the reward awaiting the Christian sufferers.

What did Dulcitius do to the Three Virgins?

Dulcitius Summary. “The emperor Diocletian, failing to persuade the three virgins Agape, Chione, and Irena to renounce their Christian faith and sacrifice to the Roman gods, consigns them to prison.