The House of Rimmon A Drama in Four Acts   By: Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)

The House of Rimmon by Henry Van Dyke is a captivating drama that skillfully explores several themes, including love, sacrifice, and redemption. Set in the beautiful but war-torn region of Syria, the play centers around the lives and fates of a diverse group of characters.

Van Dyke's masterful storytelling seamlessly weaves together the lives of characters from different backgrounds, highlighting their contrasting perspectives and beliefs. The House of Rimmon serves as a metaphorical melting pot, where the characters' relationships undergo various transformations, reflecting the complex dynamics of society.

One of the most prominent themes in the play is love, explored through the tumultuous relationship between the American protagonist, Basil Randolph, and Katrina Delaroche, a French woman haunted by her tragic past. Van Dyke artfully portrays the power of love to transcend societal divisions, as Basil and Katrina navigate cultural differences and personal obstacles to find solace in each other's arms.

In addition to the exploration of love, The House of Rimmon delves into the profound sacrifices individuals are willing to make for their beliefs and principles. The character of Ali, a Syrian soldier torn between loyalty to his country and his love for a foreign woman, embodies this theme. Through Ali's internal struggles, Van Dyke portrays the internal conflicts faced by many individuals caught in the midst of war.

Furthermore, the play examines the concept of redemption, as characters grapple with their past mistakes and seek to improve themselves. This theme is most evident in the character of Patrick Carroll, an Irish priest haunted by a secret. Van Dyke presents Carroll's journey towards redemption with nuance and sensitivity, demonstrating the healing power of remorse and forgiveness.

Van Dyke's writing style is elegantly descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the Syrian landscape and creating an immersive atmosphere for the reader. The dialogue is natural and engaging, conveying the depth and complexity of the characters' emotions and motivations.

Overall, The House of Rimmon is a profound and thought-provoking drama that engages the reader from start to finish. Van Dyke's exploration of themes such as love, sacrifice, and redemption, combined with his skillful storytelling, makes this play a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive and emotionally resonant literary experience.

First Page:

Night, in the garden of NAAMAN at Damascus. At the left, on a slightly raised terrace, the palace, with softly gleaming lights and music coming from the open latticed windows. The garden is full of oleanders, roses, pomegranates, abundance of crimson flowers; the air is heavy with their fragrance: a fountain at the right is plashing gently: behind it is an arbour covered with vines. Near the centre of the garden stands a small, hideous image of the god Rimmon... Continue reading book >>