Elizabeth Cary, also known as Lady Falkland, was an English poet, playwright, and

translator who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. She is best known for her
literary contributions and her conversion to Roman Catholicism later in life. Here is a brief
biography of Elizabeth Cary:

1. Birth and Early Life:

Elizabeth Cary was born on January 17, 1585, in Drury Lane, London, England, to Sir Henry
Cary and Elizabeth Morris. Her father held various positions at court and was a member of
Parliament.

2. Marriage and Family:

In 1602, Elizabeth married Sir Henry Cary, later Lord Falkland. Together, they had eleven
children. Her husband's political and military career influenced her life significantly.

3. Literary Career:
Elizabeth Cary was a talented writer and playwright. She is best known for her work "The
Tragedy of Mariam," which is considered one of the earliest English plays written by a woman.
This work, published in 1613, is a domestic tragedy that explores themes of jealousy, power, and
gender roles. It is also notable for its introspective and philosophical aspects.

4. Religious Conversion:
Later in life, Elizabeth Cary converted to Roman Catholicism, a decision that had significant
personal and social implications in the Protestant-dominated England of her time. Her conversion
led to her being ostracized by some members of her family and the English court.

5. Works and Translations:

Elizabeth Cary's literary output includes not only "The Tragedy of Mariam" but also various
poems and translations of works by French religious writers. Her religious convictions are
evident in her translations and writings, reflecting her deep commitment to Catholicism.

6. Death:
Elizabeth Cary passed away on February 15, 1639, in Oxford, England. She was buried at St.
Aldate's Church.

7. Legacy:
 Elizabeth Cary's contributions to English literature, particularly as one of the early female
playwrights, have gained recognition in modern scholarship. Her work provides insights into the
literary and religious landscape of the early 17th century in England. Her conversion to
Catholicism also serves as a historical example of religious change and its implications in a
society marked by religious tensions.

In summary, Elizabeth Cary, Lady Falkland, was a notable English writer and playwright of the
early 17th century, known for her work "The Tragedy of Mariam" and her later conversion to
Roman Catholicism. Her life and writings offer a glimpse into the literary and religious dynamics
of her time.

"The Tragedy of Mariam" is a significant work in English literature, written by Elizabeth

Cary, Lady Falkland. It is considered one of the earliest known plays in English that was
authored by a woman. Here's some information about the play:

1. Date of Composition and Publication:

Elizabeth Cary wrote "The Tragedy of Mariam" in the early 17th century. It was completed in
1613, and the play was first published in 1613 under the full title, "The Tragedy of Mariam, the
Fair Queen of Jewry: With the Death of Her Two Sons, Memnon and Sabinus, Set in the Times of
the Destruction of Solomon's Temple." This lengthy title provides a glimpse of the play's subject
matter and historical context.

2. Historical and Cultural Context:

The play is set in the ancient biblical era, specifically during the time of the destruction of
Solomon's Temple. It draws from historical and biblical sources, with its central characters being
Mariam (or Miriam), the wife of Herod, and her two sons, Memnon and Sabinus. The play
explores themes of power, jealousy, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked authority.

3. Plot Summary:
"The Tragedy of Mariam" tells the story of Mariam, the wife of King Herod, who becomes
jealous of her husband's love for another woman, Salome. The play delves into Mariam's
emotional turmoil and her descent into madness and despair as she grapples with Herod's
infidelity. The story also focuses on the tragic fate of her two sons, Memnon and Sabinus, as they
become pawns in the power struggles and political intrigues of the time.

4. Characterization and Themes:

The play is known for its complex and psychologically rich characters, particularly Mariam,
who undergoes a profound transformation over the course of the story. Themes of jealousy,
betrayal, revenge, and the corrupting nature of power are central to the narrative. The play also
explores the consequences of actions driven by unchecked ambition and emotions.

5. Style and Influence:

Elizabeth Cary's writing style in "The Tragedy of Mariam" reflects the conventions of Jacobean
drama, with elements of both classical tragedy and Renaissance drama. However, her work is
distinctive for its introspective and philosophical aspects, making it stand out among plays of the
era.

6. Reception and Significance:

"The Tragedy of Mariam" is historically significant as one of the earliest known plays authored
by a woman in English literature. It provides valuable insights into the role of women in early
modern drama and the themes and concerns of the time. The play has gained renewed interest in
modern scholarship for its exploration of gender, power dynamics, and the emotional
complexities of its characters.

In summary, "The Tragedy of Mariam" by Elizabeth Cary is an important work in early English
drama, known for its exploration of psychological and emotional depth, as well as its significance
as an early example of a play written by a woman in the Jacobean period.

"The Tragedy of Mariam" by Elizabeth Cary is a Jacobean play that explores themes of jealousy,
power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It is set in the ancient biblical era during the
time of the destruction of Solomon's Temple. Here is a summary of the play:

The play revolves around the character of Mariam, the wife of King Herod of Judea. Mariam is
deeply in love with her husband, but she becomes consumed by jealousy when she learns that
Herod is involved with another woman, Salome. Herod's affections for Salome cause Mariam to
question her own worth and provoke intense feelings of insecurity.

As Mariam's jealousy intensifies, she descends into madness and despair. Her emotional turmoil
leads her to make irrational decisions and engage in vengeful acts. She becomes increasingly
isolated, with her mental state deteriorating as the play progresses.

The tragic consequences of Mariam's jealousy and Herod's infidelity extend to their two sons,
Memnon and Sabinus. These young princes become caught up in the power struggles and
political intrigues of the time, ultimately leading to their deaths.
Throughout the play, the characters grapple with themes of betrayal, revenge, and the corrupting
nature of power. Mariam's transformation from a loving wife to a jealous and vindictive woman is
a central focus, illustrating the destructive force of unchecked ambition and emotions.

"The Tragedy of Mariam" is significant not only for its exploration of psychological depth and
emotional complexity but also as one of the earliest known plays written by a woman in English
literature. It offers valuable insights into the role of women in early modern drama and the themes
and concerns of the Jacobean era.

"The Tragedy of Mariam" by Elizabeth Cary is a Jacobean play that tells the story of
Mariam, the wife of King Herod of Judea, during the time of the destruction of Solomon's
Temple. The play explores themes of jealousy, power, and the consequences of unchecked
ambition. Here is a more detailed summary of the story:

Act 1:
- The play begins with Mariam expressing her love for her husband, King Herod, and her
happiness in their marriage.
- However, Mariam's bliss is shattered when she learns of Herod's affection for another woman,
Salome.
- Mariam becomes consumed by jealousy and insecurity, and her emotional turmoil begins to
affect her mental state.

Act 2:
- Mariam's jealousy intensifies, and she becomes increasingly isolated. She confides in her nurse,
who advises her to confront Herod about his infidelity.
- Meanwhile, Herod is torn between his love for Mariam and his desire for Salome.
- The play also introduces characters like Alexandra, a friend of Mariam, and Sohemus, who
serves as a messenger.

Act 3:
- Mariam confronts Herod about his relationship with Salome and accuses him of betraying her
love.
- Herod attempts to justify his actions, but Mariam's jealousy and anger continue to grow.
- As Mariam's mental state deteriorates, she becomes more isolated from those around her.
Act 4:
- The political situation in Judea becomes more complicated as Herod faces external threats and
internal conflicts.
- Mariam's jealousy leads her to plot revenge against Herod and Salome, with tragic
consequences.
- Memnon and Sabinus, Mariam's two sons, become caught up in the power struggles and
political intrigues of the time.

Act 5:
- The play's climax unfolds as Mariam's plot for revenge culminates in violence and tragedy.
- Memnon and Sabinus meet untimely deaths, and Mariam's descent into madness becomes
complete.
- Herod is left to grapple with the devastating consequences of his actions.

Act 6:
- In the final act, the play examines the aftermath of the tragedy and the impact it has had on the
characters.
- Mariam's mental state has deteriorated to the point where she is beyond help, and she is left in a
state of madness.
- The play ends on a somber note, with the characters reflecting on the destructive power of
jealousy and ambition.

"The Tragedy of Mariam" is a character-driven drama that explores the psychological and
emotional depths of its central characters, particularly Mariam, as she descends into madness due
to jealousy and insecurity. The play also serves as a commentary on the consequences of
unchecked ambition and the corrupting nature of power, set against the backdrop of biblical and
historical events.

"The Tragedy of Mariam" by Elizabeth Cary features several characters, each playing a
significant role in the unfolding of the play's events. Here are some of the main characters:

1. **Mariam**: Mariam is the titular character and the wife of King Herod. She is a complex
character who experiences a range of emotions throughout the play, from love and happiness to
jealousy and madness. Her jealousy and insecurity are central to the play's conflict, and her
descent into madness drives the tragic events of the story.
2. **King Herod**: Herod is the ruler of Judea and Mariam's husband. He is torn between his
love for Mariam and his desire for Salome. His actions and decisions regarding his relationships
with both women have a profound impact on the unfolding tragedy.

3. **Salome**: Salome is the woman with whom King Herod is involved. Her presence in
Herod's life fuels Mariam's jealousy and sets in motion the events that lead to tragedy. Salome's
character represents temptation and conflict.

4. **Memnon and Sabinus**: Memnon and Sabinus are Mariam's two sons. They become pawns
in the power struggles and political intrigues of the time and ultimately meet tragic ends as a
result of the events set in motion by Mariam's jealousy.

5. **Alexandra**: Alexandra is a friend and confidante of Mariam. She serves as a supportive

figure to Mariam and plays a role in the unfolding drama.

6. **Sohemus**: Sohemus is a messenger who appears in the play. He conveys important news
and messages to various characters, often serving as a conduit for communication and plot
development.

7. **Nurse**: Mariam's nurse is a trusted confidante who advises Mariam and offers her counsel
during her moments of emotional turmoil.

These are some of the central characters in "The Tragedy of Mariam." The play's exploration of
their relationships, emotions, and actions drives the narrative and delves into themes such as
jealousy, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked ambition in a historical and biblical
context.
"The Tragedy of Mariam" by Elizabeth Cary explores several themes throughout the play,
offering insight into the societal norms and challenges faced by women in the Jacobean era. Some
of the prominent themes in the play include:

1. **Jealousy**: The theme of jealousy is central to the play. Herod's unfounded jealousy and
suspicion of Mariam drive much of the plot's conflict. His jealousy blinds him to the truth and
ultimately leads to Mariam's tragic fate.

2. **Betrayal**: The play delves into the theme of betrayal, both real and perceived. Herod feels
betrayed by Mariam due to his jealousy, while Mariam feels betrayed by Herod's baseless
accusations. The theme of betrayal highlights the breakdown of trust in their marriage.

3. **Patriarchy and Gender Roles**: "The Tragedy of Mariam" highlights the patriarchal society
of the time, where women were expected to conform to traditional gender roles. Mariam's desire
for love and independence clashes with the expectations placed upon her as a wife, revealing the
limitations and oppression faced by women in this era.

4. **Injustice**: The play explores the theme of injustice, as Mariam is falsely accused of
adultery and condemned to death without evidence. Herod's hasty judgment and refusal to
consider Mariam's innocence demonstrate the unfair treatment of women in the patriarchal
society of the time.

5. **Love and Desire**: Mariam's longing for love and companionship is a recurring theme. She
seeks emotional fulfillment in her relationship with Selim, highlighting the human desire for love
and connection, even in the face of societal constraints.

6. **Tragedy**: As the title suggests, tragedy is a central theme in the play. The unfolding events,
fueled by jealousy and injustice, ultimately lead to Mariam's untimely death. The play serves as a
cautionary tale about the tragic consequences of unchecked jealousy and mistrust.

7. **Forgiveness**: Towards the end of the play, there is a theme of forgiveness. Mariam
forgives Herod for his wrongful accusations, despite the injustice she has suffered. This theme
underscores the capacity for forgiveness and the potential for redemption, even in the face of
tragedy.

8. **Female Empowerment**: While Mariam ultimately faces a tragic fate, her character
represents a degree of female empowerment within the constraints of her time. She seeks love
and agency in her life, challenging the traditional roles assigned to women.
"The Tragedy of Mariam" offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of marriage, gender roles,
and societal norms in the early 17th century. It remains a significant work in the context of
women's contributions to literature and provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by
women in a patriarchal society.

"The Tragedy of Mariam" by Elizabeth Cary holds notable significance and contributions to the
Jacobean era in several ways:

1. **Female Authorship**: Perhaps the most significant contribution of the play is that it is one
of the earliest known plays written by a woman in English literature. Elizabeth Cary's authorship
challenged the prevailing gender norms and expectations of the time, paving the way for future
female playwrights and authors. Her work was groundbreaking in a period when women's voices
were often marginalized in literary and theatrical circles.

2. **Feminist Themes**: "The Tragedy of Mariam" addresses feminist themes, shedding light on
the experiences and challenges faced by women in the Jacobean era. The play explores the
limited agency and autonomy of women within patriarchal societies and highlights the
consequences of such constraints.

3. **Critique of Jealousy and Patriarchy**: The play serves as a critique of jealousy and the
oppressive nature of patriarchal norms. Herod's irrational jealousy and his abuse of power
symbolize the destructive consequences of unchecked male authority. The play encourages
audiences to question and challenge these norms.

4. **Exploration of Tragedy**: As a domestic tragedy, the play contributes to the genre of

Jacobean drama. It explores the themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the inevitability of tragic
outcomes, aligning with the broader trends in English theater during the Jacobean era.

5. **Feminine Perspective**: Elizabeth Cary's play offers a unique perspective on the

experiences and emotions of women in the early 17th century. It provides a female protagonist,
Mariam, who defies traditional gender roles and seeks love and agency in her life. This
perspective was relatively rare in Jacobean literature.

6. **Empowerment through Forgiveness**: The play also conveys a message of forgiveness and
redemption. Mariam's forgiveness of Herod, despite the injustice she faces, reflects a level of
emotional and moral strength that challenges the conventional portrayal of women as passive
victims in Jacobean drama.
7. **Historical Context**: "The Tragedy of Mariam" provides valuable historical insights into the
social and gender dynamics of the Jacobean era. It captures the attitudes, norms, and challenges
faced by women during this period, making it an important historical document.

Overall, "The Tragedy of Mariam" is a significant work that challenged societal norms and
contributed to the cultural and literary landscape of the Jacobean era. Elizabeth Cary's role as a
pioneering female playwright and the themes explored in the play continue to be of interest to
scholars and readers interested in the history of women's literature and the early development of
feminist thought in English literature.