LE BARBIER DE SÉVILLE COMÉDIE EN QUATRE ACTES PAR PIERRE AUGUSTIN CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS EDITED WITH INTRODUCTION, NOTES, AND VOCABULARY BY FREDERICK HAY OSGOOD MASTER IN MODERN LANGUAGES, MILTON ACADEMY INTER MODERN LANGUAGE SERIES GINN AND COMPANY BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO LONDON EEEE As the leading comedy of the eighteenth century in France, and as an important landmark in the history of the drama, the "Barbier de Séville" is of significance to every student of French literature. From the first line to the last it is replete with interest. Even the most casual reader will appreciate the many scenes of humor, and enjoy the life and movement with which the play abounds. In this edition the purpose has been to present Beaumarchais's masterpiece in such a manner that it will be suited to use either in school or in college. With this in view, the notes have been restricted to the comments necessary for the appreciation and understanding of the play, and to such idioms and constructions as require a fuller explanation than is afforded by the vocabulary. Although the "Barbier de Séville" is recommended by the Committee of Twelve primarily for use in the advanced course, the editor has found from experience that it is admirably adapted to intermediate classes. The play not only sustains but stimulates the interest of the student. Its language, carefully studied and instinct with spontaneity and delicacy of wit, furnishes a most satisfactory basis for practice in the art of interpretation, which is the foundation of all real translation. FREDERICK HAY OSGOOD MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS M592498 |