A Question of Mercy: A Play Based on the Essay by Richard Selzer (Rabe, David)

By David Rabe

Book Overview

David Rabe is one of America's finest dramatists. In A Question of Mercy, he explores the controversial and emotional issue of euthanasia, delving deep into the ties that bind friends and lovers. Thomas and Anthony are lovers struggling with Anthony's final, exhausting battle with AIDS. Joined by their friend Susanah and a retired doctor, whose help Thomas has requested, they fashion a heartbreaking friendship as they work through the stages of a plan to relieve Anthony of his illness and his life. Rabe creates a passionate depiction of four people confronted with the reality of a loved one's fight with death, and a compelling dramatic event that poses the question: What would you do?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802135498
• ISBN13: 9780802135490
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Grove Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

I love this play

When i first read this play i couldn't put it down. it made my understanding of the entire stiuation clearer. Reading it brings out emotions i never knew a play could bring out. It is definitly a master work.

The most compelling piece to read. Even better to perform!

This is trul a play worth raeding! It blends a beautiful artistic style with the harsh realities and controvery surrounding euthanasia! It is also a pleasure to perform this piece!

An excellent play about our dealings with death

A great play. The sparse and nonrealistic language give it a mood that is both macabre and urgent. Having directed a sizable chunk of it for school, I can say that it is difficult to read but even more difficult NOT to.