The Triumph of Love - Acting Edition
by translated by James Magruder from the play by Pierre Marivaux

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Book Reviews of The Triumph of Love - Acting Edition

Book Review: "I don't demand your love- I crave it."
Summary: 4 Stars

It really just gets loopier from there, and it's all pretty silly, but the real appeal in Marivaux's play is not the plot, but the language. It's marvelous. Since most of the scenes consist of the characters being talked in and out of love, the play is a mine of great speeches. There's also plenty of wit and humor (I especially love Agis' distress on being the only one not to receive a portrait), and a spirit of fun throughout. What it does lack is an ending. It just sort of stops. The recent movie version, with Mira Sorvino as the Princess, added an ending that was good enough to fool me; it was so seamless and matched Marivaux's style so well I was genuinely surprised when I finally read the play and discovered it had been tacked on. If you like the play, go ahead and rent the movie, it's not half bad and you get a satisfying ending.

In any case, know that the "Triumph of Love" is a semi-neglected gem well worth both going to see and reading, especially if you're a Shakespeare fan and are looking for something new. As Magruder says in his introduction, "Love is delightful and love is cruel, leaving victors and victims in its wake. Marivaux honors both extremes in his wonderful play." Enjoy!

GRADE: B+

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