Cato (tragedy)

Cato: A Tragedy is a 18th century dramatic play by Joseph Addison, published in 1713 and based upon the life of Cato the Younger. Cato is portrayed as a hero, standing for liberty against the tyranny of Julius Caesar.

Related Topics:
18th century - Play - Joseph Addison - 1713 - Cato the Younger - Liberty - Tyranny - Julius Caesar

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The action of the play involves the forces of Cato at Utica, awaiting the arrival of Caesar just after Caesar's victory at Thapsus (46 B.C.). The noble sons of Cato, Portius and Marcus, are both in love with Lucia, the daughter of Lucius, a senatorial ally of Cato. Juba, prince of Numidia, another fighting on Cato's side, loves Cato's daughter Marcia. Meanwhile, Sempronius, another senator, and Syphax, general of the Numidians, are conspiring secretly against Cato, hoping to draw off the Numidian army from supporting him. In the final act, Cato commits suicide, leaving his supporters to make their peace with the approaching Caesar--an easier task after Cato's death, since he has been Caesar's most implacable foe.

Related Topics:
Utica - Thapsus - Numidia

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The play was very popular during the 18th century, especially in America during the period of the Revolutionary War. It was one of George Washington's favorites, and Washington arranged for a performance of the play while the Continental Army was encamped at Valley Forge. He also quotes it several times in his correspondence. Benjamin Franklin, too, knew Cato and quotes lines from the protagonist's soliloquy in Act V as a motto for his handbook of self-improvement in his Autobiography. It has also been suggested that Nathan Hale knew Addison's play, since Cato's remark on the death of his son Marcus, "What pity is it/That we can die but once to serve our country!" (IV.iv.81-2) seems to be remembered by Hale's last words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

Related Topics:
Revolutionary War - George Washington - Continental Army - Valley Forge - Benjamin Franklin - Soliloquy - Autobiography - Nathan Hale

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