Saul

work by Heavysege

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July 16, 2026

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Charles Heavysege was a British-born Canadian poet who wrote ambitious verse dramas, taking inspiration from Shakespeare and the Bible. His major work, Saul, is a drama composed of 135 scenes and features the notable character of Malzah, a fallen angel. Critics have compared Malzah to Shakespeare's Caliban.1

The name Saul has two primary historical significances:
* The first king of Israel.2
* The apostle Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus.2

Heavysege's work, while imaginative, is noted for its somewhat unoriginal and exaggerated rhetorical style.1

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Charles Heavysege
Saul, his major work, is a drama of 135 scenes containing the remarkable character of the fallen angel Malzah, who has been compared by critics to Shakespeare’s Caliban. Other works include Count Filippo (1860), an “Italian” tragedy; Jephthah’s Daughter (1865), a biblical drama; and The…
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Saul, his major work, is a drama of 135 scenes containing the remarkable character of the fallen angel Malzah, who has been compared by critics to Shakespeare’s Caliban. Other works include Count Filippo (1860), an “Italian” tragedy; Jephthah’s Daughter (1865), a biblical drama; and The…
Read More