Myth and the Superhuman

Although it may not appear to be much like what is commonly thought of as myth, The Cenci is intended to follow the tradition of ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Artaud's play does not provide an explanation or a justification of a natural event, such as why there are seasons or rainbows, but it does attempt to make insights into the fundamental aspects of nature, humanity, and existence. It can therefore be considered a myth in the sense that it identifies natural, universal forces such as cruelty and rebellion, and dramatizes their effects on a particular situation.

Like a Greek myth, Artaud's play includes characters that can be considered superhuman, or at least nonhuman in the sense that they do not have entirely realistic personalities and do not express themselves in ordinary language. Instead, Artaud's characters act as though powerful and fundamental forces are working...