Linda, Tom
Many many thanks - I had (also) wondered if it had anything to do with the
group Pere Ubu - now i know.
Cheers
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-foucault@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[
mailto:owner-foucault@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Linda M.
Steer
Sent: 15 February 2000 15:02
To: foucault@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: the ubuesque
_Ubu Roi_ is a very funny story by Alfred Jarry. The main character,
called both Ubu Roi and Pere Ubu, is a pear shaped man (there are
illustrations) who runs around yelling "merde." It is, amongst other
things, a political satire. Ubu Roi is not a king, but believes he is.
To fully understand the meaning of 'ubuesque,' it would be best to read
the story (and it's been a very long time since I've read it, so I can't
tell you much more). It is definitely a worthwhile read.
Linda
Stuart Elden wrote:
>
> In the lecture course Les Anormaux, Foucault uses a category he calls 'the
> grotesque' and compares it to one he calls 'the ubuesque' (p. 12). This
word
> apparently dates from 1922, and a book called _Ubu roi_. French
dictionaries
> suggest that it describes someone who by their grotesque, absurd or cruel
> character resembles 'Ubu roi' (p. 26n. 20). Any idea who this person was,
> and if they were really a king?
>
> Hope someone can help
>
> Thanks
>
> Stuart