One character is a mathematician whose every line is phrased in the language of mathematics and/or astronomy. Often, these are corrections to mathematical metaphors or even unintentional puns in statements made by the Devil.
Play title: The Devil and the Lady
Author (s): Alfred Tennyson
Publisher: The Macmillan Company
Publication Date: 1930
Genre: Comedy
Primary Discipline: Mathematics
Secondary Discipline: Astronomy
Scientist (s): Fictional
Source Texts: Unknown
Character Breakdown:
Magus, Amoret, Antonio, Pharmaceutus, Stephanio, Angulo, Campano, Benedict, Devil
Setting: Varies
Time Period: 1800’s
Synopsis of Play: Although first published in 1930, this humorous and beautifully worded play was written by the famous poet more than 100 years earlier when he was less than 14 years old.
One character is a mathematician whose every line is phrased in the language of mathematics and/or astronomy. Often, these are corrections to mathematical metaphors or even unintentional puns in statements made by the Devil. For instance, when they are arguing about why the Devil will not reveal his face, he asks for “no divisions” regarding “this point”, to which the mathematician replies “A point hath neither parts nor magnitude, Thy face hath both and therefore is no point.” (The Devil has a comeback: “From thine own wit I judge thy wit is pointless, For thou hast parts and therefore lackest point.”) At other times, the mathematician’s remarks are merely metaphors themselves, such as when he comments on someone’s appearance. http://kasmana.people.cofc.edu/MATHFICT/mfview.php?callnumber=mf924
First Performance Date: Unknown
First Producer: Unknown
Performance History: Unknown
Links:
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/1964/06/11/tennysons-early-work/
Entered by: Meaghan Yesford
Photo/Visual Research with citations
Alfred Lord Tennyson