Ubu Roi: Analysis of Major Characters
"Ubu Roi" is a provocative and absurdist play that centers around the character of Père Ubu, a grotesque and tyrannical figure who embodies the worst traits of political leadership. As the former king of Aragon and a self-serving usurper of the Polish throne, Ubu is characterized by his gluttony, cowardice, and impulsive behavior. His wife, Mère Ubu, is equally repulsive, spurring Ubu into treachery while demonstrating a more pragmatic approach to power, though she is just as ruthless.
The play introduces a cast of supporting characters including Captain Macnure, who represents the corruption of honor amongst soldiers, and King Wenceslas, whose imprudence leads to his downfall. Queen Rosamund’s cautious nature contrasts sharply with her husband’s recklessness, and their son, Boggerlas, emerges as a symbol of hope as he vows to avenge his family and reclaim the throne from Ubu's tyranny. Other characters, such as Tsar Alexis and General Laski, add layers to the narrative, illustrating themes of betrayal, foolishness, and the perils of unchecked ambition.
Overall, "Ubu Roi" serves as a satirical exploration of power dynamics and human folly, using dark humor to critique authority and societal values. Its characters, while exaggerated, reflect real human tendencies and societal concerns, making it a significant piece in the landscape of theatrical literature.
Ubu Roi: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Alfred Jarry
First published: 1896 (English translation, 1951)
Genre: Play
Locale: An imaginary Poland
Plot: Absurdist
Time: Unspecified
Père Ubu (par EW-bew), the former king of Aragon, captain of the Dragoons, count of Sandomir, and, later, king of Poland. He is an obese, smelly grub, with an enormous paunch, who carries a walking stick in his right-hand pocket and uses a toilet brush as his scepter. As a grotesque parody of a petty official who usurps a position of power, he is vulgar, gluttonous, rapacious, untrustworthy, greedy, sadistic, cowardly, and stupid. His actions are impulsive, and his speech is a mixture of vulgar expressions, oaths, and repetitive phrases. He ruthlessly obtains the Polish throne, then recklessly abuses his power by killing off the nobility, usurping the power of the judiciary, and overtaxing the peasants. Unsuccessful in defending his kingdom against the Russians, he escapes to France.
Mère Ubu (mar), Ubu's wife, a repulsive, unattractive, foulmouthed woman who cooks her food in excrement. She goads Ubu into assassinating the Polish king and usurping the throne. Although just as vicious as Ubu, she knows the limits to which power can be wielded and is more practical than he in matters of politics. She tries to act independently of Ubu in stealing the royal gold, but her scheme is thwarted by Boggerlas.
Captain Macnure, an officer in the Polish army who agrees to assassinate the king. He is a parody of the honorable soldier who would rather split the king in half with his sword than poison him. Betrayed by Ubu, he joins the Russian czar to wage war on Ubu, who eventually tears him to pieces in combat.
King Wenceslas (van-TSEH-slahs), the good king of Poland who provides for his subjects. Rash and imprudent, he becomes an example of foolish credulity and heedless obstinacy when he attends the Grand Review unarmed and unprotected and is assassinated by Ubu's henchmen.
Queen Rosamund, the queen of Poland. Cautious and wary, she warns her husband not to attend the Grand Review. After he is assassinated, she dies of grief in her son's arms in a scene that parodies a melodramatic death scene.
Boggerlas, the fourteen-year-old son of King Wenceslas, wise to Ubu's schemes. He vows to avenge himself on Ubu for causing the death of his family. Fighting with great courage, he eventually reclaims the throne.
Tsar Alexis, the noble czar of Russia, who will not use treachery to win a victory. He joins forces with Macnure to defeat Ubu.
General Laski, a foolish general of the Polish army. He is more interested in the formality of parading than in battle tactics.
Heads, Tails, Gyron, and other
Palcontents, Ubu's henchmen, who kill King Wenceslas and his sons. Heads and Tails kill a wild bear without the help of Ubu, who watches and prays. After this incident, they desert him. Gyron, a black man, is killed while helping Mère Ubu rob the crypt of the Polish kings.