Stefan Zweig wrote 'Jeremias' in 1917, right in the middle of the First World War. He was horrified by the conflict, and this play became his way of shouting into the silence. It reimagines the story of the prophet Jeremiah, who is chosen by God to warn Jerusalem of its impending destruction by the Babylonians.

The Story

The play follows Jeremiah as he delivers his grim warnings. He's not a triumphant hero, but a broken, reluctant man. The king, the priests, and the people all reject him. They call him a traitor and a madman, preferring their blind patriotism and false hope. We watch as Jeremiah battles doubt, loneliness, and the crushing weight of being right when everyone else is wrong. The city marches, cheerfully and foolishly, toward its own ruin.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a dry history lesson. Zweig makes you feel Jeremiah's anguish. You understand his frustration as clear logic is drowned out by nationalistic fervor. The real tension isn't about whether the city falls—we know it will. It's about watching a good man struggle to hold onto his integrity and compassion in a world that has lost its mind. It’s a play about moral courage when courage seems pointless.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves psychological depth in historical settings. If you're interested in the human cost of war, the psychology of crowds, or stories about stubborn hope, this is for you. It’s a quick but heavy read, best suited for when you're ready to sit with a powerful, uncomfortable idea. A stunning, personal work from one of the 20th century's great humanists.