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Cover of The Fatal Falsehood: A Tragedy. In Five Acts

The Fatal Falsehood: A Tragedy. In Five Acts

Written by Hannah More

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English drama (Tragedy)Verse Drama, English

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About this book

"The Fatal Falsehood: A Tragedy. In Five Acts" by Hannah More is a play written in the early 19th century. This dramatic work explores themes of love, betrayal, and the human struggle with honor and morality. Set against the backdrop of aristocratic society, it illuminates the complexities of personal relationships and the consequences of deceit. The narrative revolves around the tangled emotions and loyalties of its characters, primarily focusing on Orlando and his complicated feelings for both Julia and Emmelina, while Rivers—Orlando's close friend—also becomes ensnared in this web of love. As the story unfolds, Orlando grapples with guilt and jealousy, leading to a tragic climax involving betrayal and murder, driven by the malevolent machinations of Bertrand. Ultimately, the play paints a poignant picture of the devastating effects of unchecked passion and revenge, culminating in a heart-wrenching conclusion that underscores the fragility of human relationships.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Fatal Falsehood: A Tragedy. In Five Acts, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • dark
  • tragic
  • dramatic

Hannah More's "The Fatal Falsehood" is an early 19th-century verse tragedy, unfolding in five acts within aristocratic society. It delves into a complex web of love, betrayal, and moral conflict, primarily centered on Orlando's divided affections for Julia and Emmelina, and the entanglement of his friend Rivers. Driven by guilt, jealousy, and the manipulative schemes of Bertrand, the narrative escalates to a violent climax involving murder. The play ultimately serves as a poignant exploration of unchecked passion and revenge, concluding with a devastating portrayal of human frailty and the dire consequences of deceit.

“"Alas, that love, so pure a fount, should feed a stream so poisoned by deceit!"”

Key themes

Love and Betrayal
The central theme exploring the complex and often destructive nature of love when intertwined with deceit. Orlando's divided affections and the subsequent betrayal, both intentional and unwitting, form the core conflict, demonstrating how love can lead to profound suffering when trust is broken.
Consequences of Deceit
A central driving force of the tragedy, this theme highlights how even seemingly small acts of dishonesty or manipulation can have catastrophic and far-reaching effects on individuals and their communities. Bertrand's machinations are the prime example, but Orlando's own evasions also contribute to the unfolding disaster.
Honor and Morality
This theme examines the societal and personal codes of conduct, particularly within the aristocratic context. Characters grapple with their consciences, and the play explicitly illustrates the tragic consequences of compromising one's honor or succumbing to immoral impulses. Hannah More, as a moralist, uses this play to uphold specific virtues.

Worth discussing

How does Hannah More use the aristocratic setting to amplify the themes of honor and morality?

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