All For Love

"All for Love" is a tragedy play written by John Dryden, a prominent English poet and playwright. The play was first performed in 1677 and is considered one of Dryden's masterpieces. It is a neoclassical adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra," with Dryden reworking and refining the original material.

The play focuses on the tragic love story between Mark Antony, a Roman general, and Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt. The plot is set against the backdrop of political turmoil and power struggles in the Roman Empire. Unlike Shakespeare's play, Dryden's version condenses the events and focuses more on the intense, passionate relationship between Antony and Cleopatra.

Dryden's "All for Love" explores themes of love, loyalty, honor, and the consequences of political ambition. The language used in the play is eloquent and reflects the classical ideals of the Restoration period. Dryden's adaptation is known for its emotional depth, poetic language, and tragic portrayal of the protagonists' doomed love.

The play is structured in five acts and follows a strict classical format. It adheres to the principles of neoclassical drama, emphasizing unity of time, place, and action. "All for Love" is recognized as a significant work in the Restoration drama, showcasing Dryden's skill in adapting classical themes for the tastes of his contemporary audience.