Damn Judith You Scary #4

Howard Barker’s Judith is a chillingly power play centered on lust and betrayal. Judith a prostitute is sent to the bedchamber of Holofernes a powerful general leading an attack against Israel. This puts Judith in a difficult position when she must make the decision of whether or not she should murder Holofernes. In doing so she would save the lives of thousands of people and put an end to the war. However, conflict arises within Judith’s character when she is faced with the opportunity of ending his life. Because of this conflict I firmly believe the major dramatic question of the play is does Judith actually love Holofernes. In loving him it is the only thing that would prevent her from going through with his death. Judith is faced with a tough decision. On one hand it logically makes sense to end his life, but on the other hand her heart is invested in him. Inevitably making his death a difficult one. As the Servant says “one of them is lying but who?” It is in my opinion that Judith truly does love him, and the only lie she is telling is that she doesn't love him. It gives reason and justifies the way she acts after Holofernes is dead making it in my opinion the main question of the script.