I just finished reading the play Mithridates (1673) by Jean Racine. This tragedy is set near the end of the Third Mithridatic War, a ten year conflict between the forces of Mithridates VI of Pontus and the Roman Republic.

The story involves star-crossed lovers and a web of love and deceit, betrayal and loyalty. At first, my attention was waning but soon the writing drew me in and, by the end, I loved the play. The second half was especially compelling and I found the writing to be increasingly powerful as the play progressed; likewise, the characters’ personalities became more defined as their choices and actions culminated in certain consequences. 

“Henceforth be all my mind bent upon vengeance.”