Sakontala
The story revolves around a young Brahmin girl named Sakuntala who falls in love with a prince named Dushyanta. They meet at a sacred grove and spend time together, but their social differences make it difficult for them to be together. Sakuntala becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son, but the prince is forced to leave her due to his royal duties. Sakuntala's love for the prince remains strong, but she is eventually abandoned by him. The story takes a turn when Sakuntala meets an old sage who tells her that the prince has forgotten about her and their child. Devastated, Sakuntala returns to her father's home, where she is met with indifference. As time passes, Sakuntala's son grows up and becomes a king in his own right. He eventually reunites with his mother, but it is too late for Sakuntala, who has died of grief and heartbreak. The story explores themes of love, loyalty, and the social constraints that can destroy relationships.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1791 · Genre: Drama, Romance, Tragedy · 53 words
First lines
WOULDST thou the blossoms of spring, as well as the fruits of the autumn,
Wouldst thou what charms and delights, wouldst thou what
plenteously, feeds, Would thou include both Heaven and earth in one designation,
All that is needed is done, when I Sakontala name.
What this Textopian page supports
Sakontala is listed on Textopian as a play by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1791 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Date: 1791 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Philosophical, Mythology
- Length: 53 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sakontala by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Sakontala?
- How does this play by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Drama — The work features intense emotional conflicts and character development typical of dramatic literature.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around love and relationships, highlighting romantic themes.
- Tragedy — Elements of fate and suffering are present, contributing to a tragic narrative arc.
- Philosophical — The text explores deeper existential themes and human experiences.
Tags
Indian mythology · Romanticism · Tragic love story · Poetic drama · Philosophical themes · Spiritual quest · Self-discovery · Cultural exchange · Colonialism critique · Mythological reinterpretation · Literary adaptation · German literature