The Miracle of Saint Anthony

The Miracle of Saint Anthony is a one-act play by Belgian playwright Maurice Maeterlinck, first published in 1917. Set during a funeral in a Flemish household, the play explores themes of life, death, and societal hypocrisy through the unexpected arrival of Saint Anthony, who claims he can resurrect the deceased Mademoiselle Hortense. The narrative unfolds with a blend of absurdity and irony, as Hortense's return to life reveals the limitations of miracles and the disillusionment of those who sought her revival. Maeterlinck, a Nobel Prize winner in literature, is known for his Symbolist works, and this play exemplifies his satirical style.