
The Sorrows of Belgium: A Play in Six Scenes
1915
Translated by Herman Bernstein
The Sorrows of Belgium is a play by Leonid Andreyev, first published in 1915, that explores the impact of World War I on the Belgian populace. Centered around the family of Belgian author Emil Grelieu, the play depicts their emotional turmoil as the German invasion disrupts their peaceful lives. Through characters like François, the deaf gardener, and Maurice, Grelieu's son, the work addresses themes of suffering, resistance, and the moral complexities of war, highlighting Andreyev's empathy for oppressed nations. This dramatic piece is notable for its poignant portrayal of the human cost of conflict.













