The World We Live In (The Insect Comedy)
by Karel Capek


Highlights
Synopsis
A wanderer who is something of a philosopher falls asleep after drinking in a forest.
In his dream he observes the comedy and tragedy in the lives of the insects, whose problems and affairs are like those of humankind.
The butterflies make violent love.
The beetles hoard money and live selfishly.
The ichneumon flies murder crickets and stuff their larders with food, and parasites greedily devour what others work to save.
Finally the red and yellow ants wage war to see which shall have the right to travel a particular sunlit path between two blades of grass.
Characters
| Character |
|---|
Professor A middle-aged man |
Woodcutter A well-built, vigorous man of forty-five |
Woman A peasant of thirty-five |
Commander IN-CHIEF OF YELLOW ANTS |
Vargrant A shabby fellow, drunk and rather battered and woen in appearance |
Publication
The World We Live In (The Insect Comedy) is a comedy play written by Karel Capek and published by Samuel French.
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Performance Rights
Restrictions: Not Restricted (US) / No Restrictions (UK)
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