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The Two Noble KinsmenWilliam Shakespeare

The Two Noble Kinsmen

by OpenStories

Original author: William Shakespeare

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"The Two Noble Kinsmen" by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher is a Jacobean tragicomedy first performed in 1613–1614. Based on Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale," it tells the story of two inseparable cousins, Palamon and Arcite, whose deep friendship shatters when both fall in love with Princess Emilia from their prison window. Their devotion transforms into bitter rivalry, leading to escape, disguise, and a tournament where the victor wins Emilia's hand—while the loser faces execution.

The Two Noble Kinsmen, by William Shakespeare. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #1506.

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7 Chapters

  1. 1.Prologue271 words
  2. 2.Act I: SCENE I. Athens. Before a temple4,281 words
  3. 3.Act II: SCENE I. Athens. A garden, with a castle in the background4,880 words
  4. 4.Act III: SCENE I. A forest near Athens6,159 words
  1. 5.Act IV: SCENE I. Athens. A room in the prison3,567 words
  2. 6.Act V: SCENE I. Athens. Before the Temples of Mars, Venus, and Diana5,067 words
  3. 7.Epilogue164 words