André Gide takes a sliver of ancient Greek history from Herodotus and turns it into a tight, psychological drama in just three acts. It's a story that feels surprisingly modern, even though it's about kings and queens.

The Story

King Candaules of Lydia has it all: wealth, power, and a wife, Nyssia, of breathtaking beauty. But he's haunted by a strange problem. He believes her beauty is so perfect that it's a crime for him to be its sole witness. He needs someone to confirm its glory. He pressures his loyal soldier and friend, Gyges, into a terrible plan: hide in the queen's bedroom and watch her in secret. When Nyssia discovers the betrayal, the fallout is swift and brutal. She confronts Gyges and presents him with an impossible choice: kill the king who betrayed her, or be killed himself for his part in the violation.

Why You Should Read It

Gide isn't just retelling a myth. He's digging into the human psyche. Candaules isn't a villain; he's a man trapped by his own obsession with possession and validation. His need for Gyges to see what he sees is more about his own ego than love. Nyssia transforms from an object into a force of vengeance, reclaiming her agency in the most dramatic way. The play asks uncomfortable questions: Can you truly own a person's beauty or love? Where does admiration end and violation begin?

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves tense, character-driven stories that pack a big punch in a small package. If you enjoy the moral complexities of writers like Albert Camus or the intense interpersonal dramas of Ingmar Bergman's films, you'll find a lot to chew on here. It's a brilliant, unsettling hour of reading that sticks with you long after you've finished the last page.