Review
Dramatic prose poem by Auguste, Count de Villiers De L'isle-adam, published in 1890. Wagnerian in theme and scope, Axel combines symbolism and occult themes. Axel, the lord of a German castle, kills a relative who attempts to uncover the secret of a mysterious treasure buried in his home and is himself attacked by the young novice Sara just after she works the charm to reveal the gold and jewels hidden in the vault. Overcome by passion, the two remain below, Sara dreaming of a world of fortune, Axel contending that nothing in life can equal their moment of joyful expectation. During the night, both drink poison from a jeweled cup found among the treasure. -- The Merriam-Webster Encylopedia of Literature
Language Notes
Text: English, French (translation)
