Anathema

Anathema is a tragic drama that narrates the story of David, the play's lead, who inherits a fortune and sets out to reduce all the world's misery. He is manipulated throughout by 'Anathema', who represents the spirit of reasoning, of revolt, and sometimes Satan. Anathema wishes to have something to strengthen his case against God the Creator. The play initiated a lively debate in the Russian Orthodox Church at the time. A debate between those who denounced it as an attack on Christianity and those who applauded it as a vindication of Christianity. The play has the outstanding merit of introducing two chief characters, David and Anathema, who are subtle and striking figures. This Russian drama is a solid and profound work that is well worth exploring.