R370502E. Strafford.
The Times, 2 May 1837, p. 5.
As reprinted in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 391–392.
Covent-Garden Theatre. An historical tragedy, by Mr. Browning, called Strafford, was produced last night at this theatre. A detail of the plot would be superfluous; it is sufficient to say that the piece represents the life of Wentworth from his being created Earl of Strafford to his execution, an event which the Countess of Carlisle does all in her power to prevent. The tragedy is very historical; it would be almost unintelligible to one who had not made himself acquainted with the minutæ of the eventful period to which it relates, and hence we almost fear its becoming so popular as its intrinsic merits deserve. One great secret Mr. Browning has discovered, which is, that the language of the drama should be concise and pointed, instead of being diffuse and florid. There is not through the whole piece an useless declamation introduced for the sake of displaying poetical beauties; each character says what he has to say exactly, and no more. This love of closeness has even in some instances carried the author too far—he has here and there introduced such a number of broken sentences that it is hard to understand him. To Mr. Macready, who played Strafford, was left the task of rendering these obscurities at least comparatively plain, and he acquitted himself exceedingly well. The character of Pym is a bold sketch; he is represented as one who loves Strafford more than any other man, and yet feels himself bound to sacrifice him for his country’s sake. The contentions in the daring republican’s spirit pursue him throughout the piece, but he is not brought forward enough to be more than an outline portrait, and Vandenhoff rendered him a much duller gentleman than the author could have desired. The Countess of Carlisle was evidently intended as the ray which should throw a soft light over the piece, but her character wants fullness, and never lays strong hold on the interest. Miss Faucit played the part judiciously. The Earl of Strafford was the character; the picture of a man ever falling and ever retaining his loyalty is admirably drawn. His position is made what the German critics call truly “tragic,” that is to say, he does not fall so much on account of the fault of any individual, but on account of the natural chain of events against which he is compelled to struggle. This is Mr. Browning’s first dramatic effort, and it is one of no little promise.
Reviewed:
Strafford (RB), London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green, 1837.
___________________
