Caligula: style

Caligula adheres to the genre of a tragedy, with the arc of the protagonist meeting the classic Greek model of rise, hubris and eventual downfall.
The play is heavily influenced by existentialist thought, exploring existential angst through its characters, their motivations, and their responses to the abnormal circumstances.
The narrative structure of the play is non-linear, involving flashbacks and memory sequences that complicate the chronological progression of the story.

The play is characterised by a mixture of prose and verse, reflecting both the quotidian and the extraordinary aspects of life under Caligula’s rule.
Albert Camus, the playwright, employs rhetorical devices like metaphors, paradoxes, and allegories to enrich his exploration of existential concepts.

The setting of the play is confined to the Imperial palace, mirroring the isolation and confinement of power imposed by Caligula.
The play uses minimalistic staging to draw the audience’s focus on the dialogue and actions of the characters. The lack of visually distracting elements enhances the psychological depth of the work.

The repeated use of moon imagery signifies the cyclical nature of life, linking to the absurd and existential themes of the play.
The employment of symbolism is profound within the work- for instance, the green tunic Caligula wears is symbolic of his detachment from humanity, and the horse Incitatus represents the absurdity of his actions.

Camus establishes dramatic tension through conflict, both physical and philosophical, among characters which range from heated debates to direct violence.
Monologues are used strategically to delve into the protagonist’s mind and elucidate his philosophical musings, lending depth to his character.

The play maintains a grave tone and unsettling atmosphere throughout, reinforcing the themes of fear, power, and the absurd.