Customer Reviews

Exit the King, The Killer, and Macbett / Three Plays

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Some say philosophy is simply the study of how to accustom man to let go of life. And, Exit the King deals exactly with this subject. The King, believed by some to be a metaphor for God (but that involves whole different implications) is dying. His kindom is falling apart and falling into nothingness. The King, at the urgings of "the Doctor," is forced to face that indeed, he will die within the course of this play.

Denial, Anger...all the usual forms of defense the King plays. The play centers around how the King is to deal with his impending death.

Marguerite, his young second wife, begs him to live in the moment, and the power of love and happiness in the present will overcome even death. Deny, and live in the present.

Marie, his older first wife, demands the King face reality, and look death in the face, scolding him for not doing so all his life and for being so ill prepared. She, in this short play, urges him through the process of letting go of his defenses and his insecurities, and embrace death.

The play is a thought provoking one, and an excellent short read.

This book made me think: am I the king that lives his life and doesn't care what happens? When I am just about to die, will I be regretting just like this king does? Am I living my life to its full extent? Some good philosophical questions are raised in the book. I recommend you to read it.

Ionesco is for a specific audience (If you like "The Sound Of Music" beware). If you are part of that select group this is a must-read. If you're not part of that select group you're missing one of life's delights.
Want to improve your life? Read more plays. Start here.

The book, apparently out of print, arrived very late, but in excellent condition,as new. Saw play on Broadway. Recommend both book and play!