L'Arlésienne

L'Arlésienne by Alphonse Daudet is a play written in the late 19th century. Set in the Camargue of Provence, it follows the Mamaï family and their son Fréderi, whose passion for the elusive “girl from Arles” clashes with family honor and the steadfast love of Vivette as his mother Rose and the shepherd Balthazar struggle to save him. The piece mixes vivid regional life with a tense, intimate portrait of love, pride, and duty. The opening of the play establishes the Castelet farm as wedding plans take shape for Fréderi—until a Camargue horse-guardian, Mitifio, arrives with letters proving the Arlésienne’s infidelity, devastating the young man. By the Vaccarès lagoon, Rose fears for her son’s life and urges Vivette—who quietly loves him—to reach him, while Balthazar counsels work, travel, and self-mastery; Fréderi clings to the damning letters and rebuffs Vivette in anguish. A family council follows in the kitchen: Rose is ready to accept the disgrace to save her son, but Fréderi refuses and, instead, asks Vivette to help him heal. As the court is dressed for celebration alongside the Saint-Éloi festivities, the arrival of Mother Renaud and her tender reunion with Balthazar highlights the play’s theme of renounced passion and enduring honor.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.