The Broken Jug as an Experiment with Thomas Hobbes' Political Theory

Authors

Mark Kasperczyk '10, Illinois Wesleyan University

Abstract

Illinois Wesleyan University recently put on a production of The Broken Jug by John Banville. An amusing, if raunchy, interpretation of the play, it provides a very dark picture of humanity and society. Set in the middle of the nineteenth century in a town called Ballybog (in rural Ireland), it tells of the corrupt Judge Adam who breaks a valuable jug while attempting to make sexual advances on Eve Reck, one of the townspeople. When the case of the broken jug is brought to court, he attempts to blame Robert Temple, another townsperson. After all, the girl he advanced on is the only person who sees him during the entire incident, and she hesitates to blame Judge Adam because it would make others suspect him of the more heinous events that occurred that night; thus, he almost manages to escape.

Recommended Citation

Kasperczyk '10, Mark (2008) "The Broken Jug as an Experiment with Thomas Hobbes' Political Theory," The Delta: Vol. 3: Iss. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/delta/vol3/iss1/9