Romulus the Great: An Unhistorical Comedy in Four Acts: Analysis of Major Characters
"Romulus the Great: An Unhistorical Comedy in Four Acts" is a satirical play that explores the final days of the Western Roman Empire through the character of Romulus Augustus, its last emperor. Romulus is depicted as a seemingly oblivious chicken breeder who becomes a symbol of indifference, focusing on trivialities even as the empire collapses around him. His calculated inaction contrasts starkly with the ambitions and frustrations of other characters, such as Odoaker, the Teutonic chieftain who ultimately conquers Rome, and Emilian, a tortured patrician willing to sacrifice personal love for the sake of his country. The play also features Julia, Romulus’s ambitious wife, and Rea, his daughter, who are caught in the turmoil of political upheaval and personal sacrifice.
Key characters like Zeno, the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, and Spurius Titus Mamma, a patriot captain, further illustrate the varying responses to Rome's decline, with some desiring action while others remain paralyzed by bureaucracy or personal agendas. The comedy blends absurdity with poignant commentary, revealing the complexities of leadership, loyalty, and the consequences of apathy in the face of impending doom. Ultimately, "Romulus the Great" invites reflection on the nature of power and the responsibility of those who hold it during times of crisis.
Romulus the Great: An Unhistorical Comedy in Four Acts: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Friedrich Dürrenmatt
First published: Romulus der Grosse, 1958 (English translation, 1961)
Genre: Play
Locale: The villa of Emperor Romulus in Campania
Plot: Tragicomedy
Time: March 15–16, 476 c.e.
Romulus Augustus, the emperor of the Western Roman Empire and a chicken breeder. Romulus is an imperturbable man quite capable of focusing his full attention on his breakfast even as the empire collapses around him. At first, he appears to be a humorous fool whose sole interest is his chicken raising. In the course of the play, however, he reveals that his do-nothing attitude has been calculated carefully to destroy an empire that he believes has become tyrannical and corrupt. Rome's conquest by the Germans is, for him, a just punishment. At the same time, he expects to die in sacrificial atonement for his actions. Ironically, fate intervenes, and he must suffer a humiliating retirement instead.
Odoaker (oh-doh-AY-kur), a Teutonic chieftain, conqueror of the Roman Empire, and chicken breeder. A man very much like Romulus, he had hoped to contain the warlike tendencies of his people by making them subjects of Rome. He views an execution of Romulus as pointless, but he accepts the transfer of power, expecting to rule only a short time before his nephew assassinates him.
Emilian, a Roman patrician and Rea's fiancé. Captured by the Germans and having spent three years as their prisoner, he is gaunt and pale and shows evidence of having been tortured. He is willing to sacrifice Rea for his country and revolts against the emperor for refusing to act to save Rome. Because of his suffering (caused by Romulus' action), he is the one person to whom Romulus feels he owes an accounting.
Julia, the emperor's wife. An ambitious woman who married Romulus so that she would become empress, Julia does not understand his attitude and condemnation of the empire. As the Germans approach, she attempts to escape with members of the household but drowns in a storm before they can reach safety.
Rea, the emperor's daughter, who spends her days studying drama and declaiming tragic verses. She is willing to sacrifice herself for her country by marrying Rupf, but, convinced by her father that love is more important than this meaningless gesture, she agrees to escape with her fiancé.
Caesar Rupf, a wealthy manufacturer of trousers and a parody of the modern capitalist. He offers to pay the Teutonic chieftain to leave Italy on condition that trousers become obligatory dress and that the emperor's daughter become his wife.
Zeno, the Isaurian, the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, who seeks sanctuary with Romulus. Bound by Byzantine tradition, he is required to recite prescribed formulas in pleading for sanctuary—at least if there are any witnesses, because appearance is all-important. Romulus spares him this tedious routine by locking his two chamberlains in the chicken coop.
Spurius Titus Mamma, the captain of the cavalry, who brings news of the impending collapse of the Roman Empire. With an exaggerated sense of patriotism, this officer believes that it is his duty to sacrifice his life for Rome, regardless of whether this sacrifice achieves anything. Although he is exhausted and wounded when he arrives at the palace, he resists sleep with a superhuman effort until the end of the play, when, ironically, he sleeps through the moment in which Romulus yields power to Odoaker and the Roman Empire ceases to exist.
Apollonius, an art dealer who buys Roman art treasures from Romulus, who must sell them to pay household expenses.
Tullius Rotundus, the minister of state, a comic figure whose name indicates his physique. The minister tries to convince Romulus to act. When he does not, the minister joins in the unsuccessful plot to assassinate him.
Mars, the minister of war. Like the minister of state, he does not understand Romulus' refusal to fight and joins the conspiracy to assassinate him.
Theoderich, Odoaker's nephew, a warlike person who believes in conquest and subjugation of other nations. He temporarily follows Odoaker's orders but is impatient with his uncle's desire for peace.
Achilles and Pyramus, the emperor's chamberlains, who refuse to let anyone see him without an appointment. They represent a bureaucracy that makes quick action on any problem virtually impossible.
Phosphoridos and Sulphurides, Zeno's chamberlains with matching, intentionally comical names.
Phylax, an actor and Rea's drama instructor. He appears absurd in instructing her in the high-sounding verses of classical tragedy as the empire crumbles.