Play: Romulus the Great

Introduction
"Romulus the Great" is a historic witticism play written by Swiss playwright Friedrich Dürrenmatt in 1949. The play is embeded in the year 476 AD, during the fall of the Western Roman Empire. It informs the story of Emperor Romulus Augustus, who prefer to have a tendency to his hen farm than address his duties as a leader. As the barbarians advancement, Romulus stays detached to the approaching collapse of the empire, picking to prioritize his easy agricultural way of living over politics, power, as well as the empire's reliance on pressure.

Story Summary
The play starts in the palace of Emperor Romulus Augustulus, located on the outskirts of Rome. We see his advisor, Spurius Titus Taurea, an embodiment of the aggressive, expansionist policies of the empire, anxiously waiting for the arrival of the barbarian leader Odoacer. Romulus, however, is indifferent to the situation, as he locates peace in often tending to his chicken farm.

Romulus's spouse Julia as well as child Rea are unhappy with his aloofness and plan to take off, fearing the autumn of Rome. The Germanic chieftain Odoacer shows up and notifies Romulus of his intention to overthrow him as well as develop himself as the king of Italy. Odoacer offers Romulus a possibility to take off, however he decreases, thinking that he will lead a peaceful life in his little empire of chickens, which the task of protecting Rome now lies with Odoacer.

As Odoacer prepares to take Romulus detainee, Romulus's inactiveness irritates Taurea, that believes the emperor ought to have fought to the death to shield Rome. Taurea rebels versus Romulus's choice and also organizes a military stroke of genius, rallying the Roman military versus the barbarians. Nevertheless, Romulus is unconcerned and also uses this opportunity to often tend to his beloved hens.

At the same time, Rea, that is captivated with Odoacer, betrays her daddy by revealing his plan however is rejected by Odoacer, that continues to be unmoved by her advancement. As the Roman military led by Taurea battles Odoacer's forces, Romulus remains a passive viewer, completely aware that the collapse of the empire is currently unavoidable. In a shocking twist, we discover that Romulus has been covertly feeding the Roman military his preferred poultries in the idea that the chickens' high-quality meat will ensure their victory.

Odoacer eventually overcomes Rome, and in an effort to gain the Roman population, chooses to extra Romulus's life. Despite his success, Odoacer concerns understand the futility of his conquest and also encounters the same difficulties encountered by Romulus. The play ends with Romulus, now a freed man, gladly going back to his silent life as a poultry farmer.

Styles and Analysis
"Romulus the Great" satirizes the decline of the Western Roman Empire while also checking out styles of power, ambition, and also the human reaction for self-preservation. Dürrenmatt's portrayal of Romulus as a passive and futile leader that chooses often tending to his hens functions as a criticism of Roman culture's dependence on physical violence as well as hostility for survival, as well as the futility of power and also eminence.

The play likewise touches on concerns of loyalty and also betrayal, especially in the relationships between Romulus as well as his family, and Romulus and also Taurea. It showcases how the strong and combative plans followed by previous rulers have led to the empire's ultimate collapse.

Conclusion
Friedrich Dürrenmatt's "Romulus the Great" is a ridiculing take on the autumn of the Western Roman Empire, making use of the character of Romulus as a sign of the empire's decline. With its expedition of styles such as power, aspiration, loyalty, as well as betrayal, Dürrenmatt invites us to review the nature of human behavior, history, and also what it indicates to be a real leader. Although established versus a background of historical occasions, "Romulus the Great" stays appropriate in today's globe, as it casts doubt on our own worths and also motives worrying power, aspiration, as well as moral responsibility.