41 pages • 1 hour read
Arcadia
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary and Study Guide
Overview
Arcadia by Tom Stoppard was first performed on April 13, 1993, at the Royal National Theatre in London. In 2006, the Royal Institution of Great Britain named it one of the best science-related works ever written.
The play, which contains elements of historical fiction, has dual plot lines—one historical and one modern—that share the same physical setting. In the 19th century, the play follows the young Thomasina, a mathematical genius far ahead of her time, and her tutor, Septimus Hodge. In the present, the play follows Hannah Jarvis, a historian writing a book about the hermit and gardens on the estate grounds. In both time periods, the characters seek truth and knowledge in math, history, and sex. The play’s sequential labeling of the scenes, rather than restarting for the second act, reflects the continuity of the two plots.
This study guide refers to the 1993 edition by Faber and Faber.
Plot Summary
The play has two plot lines separated by time, but sharing the same physical location: Coverly Estate in Derbyshire, England. The past storyline begins in April 1809 and focuses on Unlock all 41 pages of this Study Guide Plus, gain access to 8,900+ more expert-written Study Guides. Including features:
Related Titles
By Tom Stoppard
