The Physicists
The Physicists
Book Brief
112
Play • Fiction
Asylum • 1960s
1962
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Physicists, a satiric comedy by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, takes place in a mental asylum where three physicists, each pretending to be insane, grapple with the implications of their groundbreaking scientific discoveries. They face moral dilemmas about the responsible use of technology, the ethics of scientific progress, and the broader impact on humanity.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Contemplative
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Physicists by Friedrich Dürrenmatt is widely acclaimed for its intricate plot and thought-provoking themes, exploring the ethical dilemmas of scientific discovery. Critics praise its dark humor and philosophical depth, though some find its absurdity challenging. Overall, it's lauded as a compelling, if complex, exploration of human responsibility in the scientific age.
Who Should Read The Physicists?
An ideal reader for Friedrich Dürrenmatt's The Physicists enjoys dark comedies and thought-provoking dramas. Fans of existential themes and the ethical dilemmas found in works like Arthur Miller's The Crucible or Albert Camus's The Stranger will appreciate this play's exploration of science, responsibility, and madness.
Friedrich Dürrenmatt originally wrote The Physicists in German in 1961, and it premiered in Zurich, Switzerland, highlighting both dark comedy and serious commentary on science and responsibility.
Dürrenmatt was influenced by his background in philosophy and theology, which is reflected in the existential and moral themes explored in The Physicists.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
The play uses elements of absurdity and teeters between the genres of thriller and comedy, making it a unique satirical take on Cold War anxieties.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
112
Play • Fiction
Asylum • 1960s
1962
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!