William Tell
William Tell
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1804
Book Brief
95
Play • Fiction
Switzerland • 13th Century
1804
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
William Tell by Friedrich Schiller is set in the early 14th century and depicts Swiss hero William Tell's struggle against the oppressive Austrian authority embodied by the tyrannical governor, Hermann Gessler. After refusing to bow to Gessler's hat, Tell is forced to shoot an apple off his son's head to prove his marksmanship. He later becomes a pivotal figure in the Swiss rebellion, culminating in Gessler's downfall and the peasants’ fight for freedom.
Inspirational
Adventurous
Hopeful
Suspenseful
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Friedrich Schiller's William Tell is praised for its powerful portrayal of resistance against tyranny, compelling characters, and profound themes of freedom and justice. Critics commend its dramatic structure and emotional depth. However, some find its pacing uneven and the language dated. Overall, it remains a significant and stirring historical drama.
Who Should Read William Tell?
A reader who enjoys William Tell by Friedrich Schiller is likely captivated by dramatic, historical tales of rebellion and justice. Similar to fans of Shakespeare's plays or Hugo's Les Misérables, they appreciate the tension between tyranny and freedom, complex characters, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals against oppressive regimes.
95
Play • Fiction
Switzerland • 13th Century
1804
Adult
14-18 years
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