Alfred Jarry
Alfred Jarry was a French writer born on September 8, 1873, in Laval, Mayenne, France, and died on November 1, 1907, in Paris. He is best known for his play 'Ubu Roi' (1896), which is often cited as a precursor to the Theatre of the Absurd and Surrealism. Jarry's work was characterized by satire, the grotesque, and a fascination with the absurdity of social and cultural norms. His influence extends to the Dada and Surrealist movements, and he is considered a significant figure in avant-garde literature.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. King Ubu
"King Ubu" is a satirical play that centers around the grotesque and absurd character, Père Ubu, who is manipulated by his ambitious wife to seize power in Poland. Once king, Ubu's reign is marked by greed, cruelty, and incompetence, leading to chaos and violence. The play employs absurdity and farce to critique power and corruption, using exaggerated characters and surreal scenarios to highlight the folly and destructiveness of tyrannical rule. This pioneering work is often considered a precursor to the Theatre of the Absurd and has had a lasting influence on avant-garde theatre.
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2. Selected Works
"Selected Works" by Alfred Jarry is a compilation of the most significant writings from a French author known for his pioneering work in the Absurdist and Surrealist movements. The collection showcases a range of Jarry's literary output, including plays, essays, and novels, with his most famous character, Père Ubu, often taking center stage. Jarry's work is characterized by its satirical edge, inventive language, and the subversion of traditional literary forms. His influence extends beyond literature into the realms of theatre and the visual arts, where his ideas have continued to resonate with avant-garde movements throughout the 20th century and beyond.
