Ruy Blas

Ruy Blas is a historical drama in five acts written in 1838 by Victor Hugo. It is considered one of Hugo's most significant dramatic works, showcasing his Romantic style and exploring themes of social injustice, love, and redemption.

The play is set in the court of 17th-century Spain, during the reign of Charles II. The central character, Ruy Blas, is a commoner who is used as a pawn in a political scheme by his former master, Don Salluste de Bazan. Don Salluste, a disgraced nobleman seeking revenge against the Queen of Spain, arranges for Ruy Blas to impersonate a nobleman and gain access to the Queen's inner circle.

Ruy Blas, intelligent and eloquent, quickly wins the Queen's affection. She believes him to be a genuine nobleman and falls deeply in love with him. He, in turn, is genuinely devoted to her, despite his lowly origins and the deception he is perpetrating.

As the play progresses, Ruy Blas becomes increasingly torn between his love for the Queen, his loyalty to Don Salluste, and his own conscience. He attempts to use his position to help the poor and fight against the corruption of the court, but his efforts are constantly undermined by Don Salluste's machinations.

The play culminates in a tragic climax when Don Salluste reveals Ruy Blas's true identity to the Queen. Betrayed and heartbroken, the Queen confronts Ruy Blas. He confesses his deception and, realizing the impossibility of their love and the extent of his betrayal, takes poison. Don Salluste reappears to gloat over his success, but Ruy Blas, in his dying moments, kills his former master before succumbing to the poison in the Queen’s presence.

Ruy Blas is notable for its complex characters, its dramatic plot twists, and its powerful language. It is a critique of social inequality and political corruption, while also exploring the complexities of love, honor, and identity. The play remains a significant work in French literature and theatre, often performed and studied for its Romantic ideals and its exploration of human nature.