by Friedrich SchillerCharacters:
WIlliam Tell, a Swiss hunter.
Gessler, a cruel governor.
Emperor Albrecht of Hapsburg royalty.
The Story:
The people of three forest cantons (provinces) of Switzerland - Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden - wanted independence from German Emperor Albrecht I. To stop them the emperor placed cruel rulers called governors in the Swiss cantons.
These governors inflicted cruelties on the people forcing them to revolt and drive out the governors and burn theirs castles. A leading figure in the uprising was William Tell, a hunter from Uri. Forced by the tyrant governor Gessler to shoot an apple from the head of his own son, Tell succeeded but a hidden arrow fell from his robe.
Asked to explain, Tell said the arrow was intended for Gessler. Arrested, he escaped with the people's help. He killed the cruel governor during an ambush, and thus began the general revolt of the Swiss people. Led by Tell, the Swiss peasants freed their country from subjugation.
Comment:
This is a great drama showing the unity and bravery of the Swiss people. It vividly shows the cruelty of the governors and the loyal cooperation among the Swiss peasantry. The drama also reveal a great figure, William Tell, the embodiment of frankness, integrity, and patriotism.