Samuel Brandon (author) facts for kids
Samuel Brandon was an English writer who lived a long time ago, in the 1500s. He is mainly known for one play he wrote called The Virtuous Octavia, which was published in 1598.
The Play The Virtuous Octavia
Not much is known about Samuel Brandon himself. We only know he wrote The Tragi-comœdi of the Virtuous Octavia. This play was his only known work. A writer named John Joseph Knight said it was "a work of some merit" and quite rare. We don't have many records about the play from when it was first written. It was listed in a book company's records in 1598. The play wasn't printed again until 1909.
What is the Play About?
The Virtuous Octavia was inspired by another play called Cleopatra by Samuel Daniel. The story of Brandon's play comes from old Roman history books. These include the life of Augustus by Suetonius and the life of Mark Antony by Plutarch. The play takes place in Rome. Its main sad event is the death of Mark Antony.
The play is called a "tragicomedy" because even though sad things happen, the main character, Octavia the Younger, is still alive at the end. Octavia feels torn between loving her husband, Mark Antony, and being jealous of Cleopatra.
How Was the Play Written?
Even though some parts of the play might seem a bit weak, it is still important for its poetry. The play is written in a style called decasyllabic verse. This means each line has ten syllables, and the lines rhyme in an alternating pattern. There are also choruses at the end of each act.
A writer named John Payne Collier noticed something special about Brandon's writing in 1831. Brandon used "compound epithets." These are descriptive words made by joining two words, like "pearl-dropping showers" or "terror-breeding crown." This style came from ancient Greek literature.
At the end of the play, there are two extra letters, called "epistles." These are written as if they are between Octavia and Mark Antony. They are written in a style similar to the Roman poet Ovid, but using long lines called Alexandrines. These letters were dedicated to "Mrs. Mary Thin," while the play itself was dedicated to Lady Lucia Audelay.
