'Paolo and Francesca' Summary

The play begins with Giovanni Malatesta, the tyrannical ruler of Rimini, consumed by jealousy and suspicion. His wife, Francesca, beautiful and innocent, is the object of his possessive love. However, Francesca is deeply unhappy in her marriage, finding solace in the company of her brother-in-law, Paolo. Their shared love for poetry and their growing intimacy lead to a passionate, yet forbidden, affair. The play meticulously portrays the blossoming of their love through poetic exchanges and intimate moments. However, their secret is ultimately discovered by Giovanni, who, driven by rage and jealousy, murders both Paolo and Francesca. The play culminates in a poignant scene where Francesca recounts the story of their love and her tragic fate to Dante, who encounters her in Hell. Phillips' poetic verse captures the intensity of their love, the brutality of Giovanni's actions, and the enduring power of their tragic story.