41 pages • 1 hour read
Arcadia
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Book Brief
144
Play • Fiction
Sidley Park, England • 1800s
1993
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Arcadia by Tom Stoppard features dual plot lines: one set in the early 19th century and the other in contemporary times, both situated at Coverly Estate. The historical plot follows a young mathematician, Thomasina, and her tutor, Septimus, while the modern plot centers on academics Hannah and Bernard uncovering estate secrets. Themes of mathematics, literature, landscape gardening, and human relationships interweave through both timelines.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Humorous
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
23,915 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tom Stoppard's Arcadia combines intellectual rigor with witty dialogue, engaging audiences through its intricate narrative structure that juxtaposes 19th-century and contemporary settings. Critics praise its clever exploration of themes like chaos theory and romanticism. However, some find the complex interweaving of timelines and scholarly references challenging, potentially alienating casual theatergoers.
Who Should Read Arcadia?
A reader who enjoys intricate plots, intellectual banter, and a blend of science, literature, and history would revel in Tom Stoppard's Arcadia. Fans of A. S. Byatt's Possession or Michael Frayn's Copenhagen will appreciate the play's rich interweaving of academic pursuits, emotional depth, and philosophical inquiry.
23,915 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Septimus Hodge
Septimus Hodge
Thomasina's tutor and a Cambridge-educated scholar, Septimus is both intelligent and witty, often serving as a connection between the Enlightenment ideals and the vibrant personalities at Sidley Park.
Hannah Jarvis
Hannah Jarvis
A modern-day writer and historian, Hannah arrives at Sidley Park to research the hermit and is known for her dedication to uncovering historical truths and her skepticism of Romantic ideals.
Bernard Nightingale
Bernard Nightingale
An ambitious and somewhat self-serving academic with a focus on the Romantic era, Bernard comes to Sidley Park with his own theories and motivations, often clashing with the more rigorous researchers.
Valentine Coverly
Valentine Coverly
A graduate student in mathematics, Valentine uses data from Sidley Park to explore ideas in modern math and serves as a bridge between historical and contemporary scientific understanding.
144
Play • Fiction
Sidley Park, England • 1800s
1993
Adult
18+ years
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