Christopher Fry's A PhoenixToo Frequent: A Study In Source and Symbol

Abstract

"THE STORY WAS GOT FROM Jeremy Taylor who had it from Petronius," Fry informs us of A Phoenix. The story is all, however, that the three works have in common. Petronius is cynical: loving until death is a pretty intention that disregards the human need for sex. Taylor is moralistic: immoderate grief leads to other immoderate passions.3 Fry is ecstatic: the widow's decision to live demands celebration. The present study will demonstrate that Fry's unique handling of his identified sources is to be explained in part by its specifically Christian content. This study will also suggest a probable and hitherto unnamed Christian source.