I way overthink lazy theater metaphors in news stories. I’ve been mulling over this one for weeks:
The interim government’s spokesman billed it as the “final act of the Libyan drama.” But there would be no closing soliloquoy from the lead player, scion of the dynasty that Muammar Gaddafi, self-styled “king of kings, had once hoped might rule Africa.
—From a Reuters story, “The Capture of Gaddafi’s Son,” Nov. 20, 2011.
Do we really expect closing sililoquoys from supporting cast members related to the “show”’s villain? Not usually. There might be an example or two in Shakespeare. Yes, I did see that Yale Cabaret production of Manuela Infante’s Rey Planta in October; it’s the monologue of a young prince who has slaughtered the rest of the royal family and placed himself in a coma, yet has assumed the throne. But I’d say shows like that are the exception rather than the rule, wouldn’t you?