Ubu Roi

Ubu Roi is classified as both absurdist and as a “burlesque,” which seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation. As such, the play is defined by its frequent, casual bouts of violence and violent threats —Papa Turd tells a messenger, after the messenger simply enters the room, “Beat it, louse, or I’ll fix you good with beheading and with twisting of the legs” (41).  

It is also a crude text, with frequent curses (the first word of the play is “Pshit!”[11]), scatological references (“Oh yes, I’m filling my pants—with courage” [70]), and insults (Papa Turd calling Mama Turd a “stupid bitch,” among numerous other names [67]). This vulgarity and violence is used to define Papa Turd’s nihilistic nature, as well as show him as a reflection of humanity’s own baser instincts and desires. It also was used to shock a French audience accustomed to more straight-laced and naturalistic theatre; the piece jolted audiences out of their complacency and forced them to take notice of the piece in a different way than they would more traditional fare. 

In telling its tale of greed and the abuse of power, Ubu Roi borrows heavily from the plays of William Shakespeare and their plot points and motifs. The play can most directly be compared to Macbeth, which similarly tells of a man overthrowing a king at his wife’s urging.