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A review by dalsegno
Caligula and Three Other Plays by Albert Camus
5.0
Caligula - "Men die, and they are not happy." I could never bring myself to hate the Roman emperor in the end.
The Misunderstanding/Cross Purpose (Le Malentendu) - Never make things more complicated as they are, that was my main takeaway from this tragedy. I think it is worth noting that this is also
State of Siege (L'État de Siège) - Bootleg version of The Plague (La Peste), with a dash of magic realism? In all seriousness, I think I can understand why contemporary critics did not like this play, but at the same time, I don't think it should be disregarded in importance. The plot of State of Siege was definitely more dramatic and progressed much faster than The Plague, but one shouldn't forget it is a piece for theatre in nature.
The Just Assassins (Les Justes) - Based on the real assassination of Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich, The Just Assassins calls into question many considerations regarding morality, love, and most importantly justice. Having read it, I understand why this is on IB's Prescribed Literature in Translation list. It most certainly is a rich play worth studying.
Spoiler
When he cried out "I'm still alive!" as the play ends, I thought back to when he spoke of men's deaths and unhappiness. Perhaps he finally found what he looked for so desperately. He was still alive.The Misunderstanding/Cross Purpose (Le Malentendu) - Never make things more complicated as they are, that was my main takeaway from this tragedy.
Spoiler
I think Martha would have killed Jan regardless of his giving of his real identity. From Maria's confrontation with her, I think her jealousy and selfishness would have overcome her even if she knew who Jan was. Poor Jan.Spoiler
the plot of the newspaper clipping that Meursault of The Stranger (L'Étranger) reads in prison: a Czech man goes home to his mother and sister without giving his identity and wanting to surprise them with his riches only to be murdered, and after his identity is found out they kill themselves--sounds familiar? I wonder if this has any implications in terms of the works being connected in any way.State of Siege (L'État de Siège) - Bootleg version of The Plague (La Peste), with a dash of magic realism? In all seriousness, I think I can understand why contemporary critics did not like this play, but at the same time, I don't think it should be disregarded in importance. The plot of State of Siege was definitely more dramatic and progressed much faster than The Plague, but one shouldn't forget it is a piece for theatre in nature.
Spoiler
Though, I didn't like Diego (and Victoria) as much, I think their storyline together could have been better. Still will choose Dr. Rieux any day!The Just Assassins (Les Justes) - Based on the real assassination of Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich, The Just Assassins calls into question many considerations regarding morality, love, and most importantly justice. Having read it, I understand why this is on IB's Prescribed Literature in Translation list. It most certainly is a rich play worth studying.