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Dubravka Study Guide

by Ivan Gundulić

Summary

Dubravka, a pastoral drama by Ivan Gundulić, follows the tragic love between the noble maiden Dubravka and the shepherd Miljenko, whose union is opposed by the ambitious noble Radmio. As the lovers plan to flee, Radmio enlists the help of the jealous shepherd Pastir and the satirical figure Vuk to sabotage their escape. The play interweaves lyrical verses celebrating nature with sharp social satire, exposing the corruption of the aristocracy and the tension between personal desire and societal expectations. In the climax, Dubravka and Miljenko are captured; Dubravka chooses death over dishonor, and Miljenko is left to mourn, while Radmio’s triumph is hollow, underscoring the futility of power when love is extinguished. The drama ends with a reflective chorus that laments the loss of innocence and calls for moral renewal.

Main Characters

Dubravka
Noble maiden and tragic heroine, whose love for Miljenko drives the plot
Miljenko
Shepherd and devoted lover of Dubravka, representing pure, natural love
Radmio
Ambitious nobleman who seeks Dubravka for power, embodying greed and tyranny
Pastir
Shepherd allied with Radmio, acts as antagonist to the lovers
Vuk
Satirical character who mocks the social order, providing comic relief and critique
Ljubomir
Friend of Miljenko, offers counsel and represents loyalty
Jelena
Dubravka’s confidante, voice of feminine solidarity

Themes

Conflict between love and social dutyNature versus corrupted civilizationSatire of aristocratic powerFate and tragic destinyHonor and personal sacrifice

Discussion Questions

  1. How does Gundulić use pastoral imagery to contrast the purity of love with the corruption of the court?
  2. In what ways does Radmio’s ambition reflect the political tensions of 17th‑century Dubrovnik?
  3. What is the significance of Vuk’s satirical interludes, and how do they affect the audience’s perception of the main tragedy?
  4. How does Dubravka’s choice to die rather than submit comment on notions of honor and agency for women in the play?
  5. Examine the role of the chorus at the end of the drama. How does it reshape the meaning of the preceding events?
  6. Discuss the symbolism of the natural landscape throughout the play. How does it mirror the characters’ inner states?
  7. What does the relationship between Miljenko and Pastir reveal about class dynamics among shepherds?
  8. How might the play’s ending be interpreted as a warning about the consequences of unchecked power?
  9. Consider the function of friendship in the drama, especially through Ljubomir and Jelena. How do they support or challenge the protagonists?
  10. If Dubravka were rewritten for a modern audience, which themes would remain most resonant and why?