Oscar Wilde’s Vera; Or, The Nihilists, written in the late 19th century, is a drama consisting of a prologue and four acts. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and revolutionary fervor in Russia, the play centers on Vera Sabouroff, her dedication to the Nihilist cause, and the complex characters surrounding her as they resist the oppression of the Tsarist regime.
The prologue opens in a Russian inn where Vera’s father, Peter, and a peasant, Michael, anxiously await her return. Through their conversation, we learn about Vera’s brother, Dmitri, who went to Moscow to fight for liberty but has since been imprisoned as a Nihilist. Tension rises when soldiers arrive, leading a group of prisoners in chains into the inn. Vera’s deep compassion for the condemned reveals her unwavering commitment to their cause. When she discovers that one of the prisoners is her brother Dmitri, her resolve to seek revenge against the oppressive regime solidifies. At the same time, she vows to never lose hope for Russia’s liberation.
The prologue intertwines personal pain with political struggle, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of revolution. Wilde’s Vera; Or, The Nihilists is a powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and an unyielding desire for freedom.