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David: A Tragedy

Written by Cale Young Rice

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Tragedies (Drama)David, King of Israel

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About this book

"David: A Tragedy" by Cale Young Rice is a dramatic play written in the early 20th century. The work centers on the biblical character David, exploring themes of ambition, love, betrayal, and the tension between personal desire and political duty as he navigates the treacherous court of King Saul. It sets the stage for a tumultuous story involving key characters such as Saul, Jonathan, Michal, and various followers and rivals of David. The opening of the play introduces a lavish hall of judgment in Saul's palace, filled with tension as the characters engage in witty and revealing banter. We see young women in the king's court expressing indecision and desire for entertainment against the backdrop of looming Philistine threats. The narrative shifts to discuss David, a shepherd recently anointed as king and admired by many, including Saul's daughter Michal, creating a web of jealousy and intrigue. The scene foreshadows conflicts among Saul, David, and those vying for power, setting up the complex relationships and eventual tragedy that will unfold throughout the play.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in David: A Tragedy, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • dark
  • tragic
  • tense

Cale Young Rice's "David: A Tragedy" is an early 20th-century dramatic play that reinterprets the biblical narrative of King David's rise and King Saul's downfall. Set amidst the political intrigue and looming Philistine threats in Saul's palace, the play delves into themes of ambition, love, betrayal, and the profound tension between personal desire and royal duty. It vividly portrays the complex relationships between David, the anointed shepherd-king; Saul, the jealous and increasingly unstable monarch; Jonathan, the loyal prince; and Michal, Saul's daughter caught between her love for David and fidelity to her father. The narrative meticulously builds towards a tragic climax, exploring the psychological depths of its characters as they grapple with fate, power, and moral compromise.

“The crown weighs heavy, David, heavier still when a shepherd's shadow lengthens over it.”

Key themes

Jealousy and Paranoia
This theme is centrally explored through King Saul's character, detailing how unchecked envy and suspicion can lead to mental deterioration and destructive actions. Saul's jealousy of David's popularity and success spirals into a deep-seated paranoia, driving him to irrational and violent acts.
Ambition vs. Duty
This theme explores the tension between personal aspirations for power and the moral or political obligations one holds. David's ambition to fulfill his divine calling clashes with his duty of loyalty to King Saul, while Saul's ambition to retain power overrides his duty to his kingdom and family.
Love and Betrayal
The play intricately weaves various forms of love—romantic, familial, and platonic—with acts of betrayal. Michal's love for David clashes with her father's hatred, while Jonathan's unwavering brotherly love for David stands in stark contrast to Saul's betrayal of both David and his own son's future.

Worth discussing

How does Rice's portrayal of King Saul's jealousy humanize or demonize the biblical figure?

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