"Ubu King by Alfred Jarry: A Satirical Farce and Precursory Work to Surrealism and Absurdist Theatre"
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Alfred Jarry, Ubu King, surrealism, absurdist theatre, satire, French literature, theatre, Ubu cycle, parody, caricature
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Abstract
Discover the satirical masterpiece "Ubu King" by Alfred Jarry, a pioneering work that defied conventional literature and paved the way for surrealism and absurdist theatre. Written in 1895, this provocative play follows the ridiculous and tyrannical Father Ubu, a character embodying the flaws of men in power, as he navigates a world of absurdity and chaos. With its colorful language, neologisms, and caricatural characters, "Ubu King" is a scathing critique of authority and societal norms. Explore Jarry's innovative use of language and his influence on literature and art, and uncover the timeless relevance of this groundbreaking work.
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[...] But this accumulation of terms with the same ending (homoeoteleuton) has above all a grotesque and derisive effect. Finally, Father Ubu and Mother Ubu find no other solution but to flee to France, pathetically dreaming of a better fate. Choice of the Work I chose this work because I wanted to learn more about the precursors of surrealism. I wanted to focus my attention on a work that deviates somewhat from conventional literature. I was told that this work presents itself as a satirical and iconoclastic farce. [...]
[...] He has the men of law, the aristocrats and the financiers killed, invents new taxes: 'Gentlemen, we will establish a 10% tax on property, another on commerce and industry and a third on marriages and a fourth on deaths francs each'. We can consider in this excerpt the exaggeration of the character who wants to impose everything. Alfred Jarry uses this character to denounce the potentially tyrannical behavior of men in power. However, Father Ubu runs the risk of being defeated by Captain Bordure, whom he had thrown in prison and who dreams of revenge. Mother Ubu wants to encourage her husband to go to war. But the latter gives a completely ridiculous battle. [...]
[...] This work and its author are often presented as precursors to surrealism and absurdist theatre. This work presents itself as a provocative, satirical, and parodic farce. Summary Father Ubu seems to be a relatively satisfied character with himself when considering repeating his titles: 'captain of dragons, trusted officer of King Wenceslas, decorated with the Order of the Red Eagle of Poland, and former King of Aragon'. This enumeration of pompous titles is obviously ironic from Alfred Jarry. It's a way to ridicule the self-satisfaction of a supposedly powerful character. [...]
[...] I found interesting the way Jarry mocks his character, which can be seen as a caricature of certain tyrants in History. Father Ubu is burdened with all the world's flaws: he is both cowardly, greedy, stupid, and cruel. Mother Ubu fits into the tradition of the manipulative woman. She seems clearly inspired by Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare's play Macbeth. Some might find this character caricatural but it fits well into the logic of the play which aims to be a satirical caricature. [...]
