Caligula (Masterplots II: Drama, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Albert Camus
- First Published: 1944
- Type of Plot: Absurdist
- Time of Work: 37-41
- Setting: Rome
- Principal Characters: Caius (Caligula), Caesonia, Helicon, Scipio, Cherea
- Genres: Drama, Absurdist literature, History play
- Subjects: History, Values, Murder or homicide, Betrayal, Death or dying, Kings, queens, or royalty, Assassination, Ethics, Existentialism, Greek or Roman times, Rome
- Locales: Rome, Italy, Rome, ancient
The Play
As Caligula opens, a group of Roman patricians are gathered in the imperial palace. The young emperor, Caius, known affectionately as Caligula (little boot), has disappeared following the death of his sister Drusilla. Joined by Helicon, an aide to the emperor, and Cherea, an author, the patricians praise Caligula as “exactly the emperor we wanted; conscientious and inexperienced.” Cherea, however, warns of the danger posed by an “artistic emperor.” Scipio, a young poet, enters to report on the search, leaving promptly when the discussion turns to...
[The entire page is 2809 words long]
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