Critical Strictures on the New Tragedy of Elvira, Written by Mr. David Malloch

"Critical Strictures on the New Tragedy of Elvira, Written by Mr. David Malloch" is a satirical pamphlet co-authored by James Boswell, Andrew Erskine, and George Dempster, published in 1763. This literary work falls within the genre of criticism and addresses a contemporary play, "Elvira," which is itself a tragic adaptation by Malloch. The pamphlet critiques the play's quality and the author's reputation, reflecting the literary and theatrical norms of the mid-18th century. The content of "Critical Strictures" is essentially a biting commentary on Malloch's tragedy, which revolves around the themes of courtly love and familial conflict involving Don Pedro, Elvira, and the court of Portugal. The authors express their disdain for the predictable plot and lack of originality, likening Malloch’s writing to that of lesser playwrights. They lampoon the play's characterization and dramatic structure, pointing out its absurdities—such as a rebellion that is quickly resolved without genuine conflict. Despite the play running for a few nights, the criticism highlights the authors' views, suggesting that both the play and its author do not achieve the expected literary or emotional depth. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Boswell, James, 1740-1795
Author Dempster, George, 1732-1818
Author Erskine, Andrew, 1739-1793
LoC No. 53000016
Title Critical Strictures on the New Tragedy of Elvira, Written by Mr. David Malloch
Note Augustan Reprint Society, publication number 35
Credits Produced by David Starner, Clare Boothby and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team.
Reading Level Reading ease score: 60.9 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject Mallet, David, 1705?-1765. Elvira
Category Text
eBook-No. 15857
Release Date
Last Update Dec 14, 2020
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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