Floyd Dell’s one-act play The Rim of the World is a comedic folk tale of mischief and true love. Early one morning, the Gypsy leader sneaks into the palace. His action starts a cascade of folly that threatens to upset the comfortable order and tradition of the King’s land. The King’s Maid--who stumbles upon the Gypsy--confesses that she is in love with the King, who is awaiting the arrival of his betrothed Princess of Basque. But when the Princess arrives, the King is shocked to find that she is a wild spirit, not at all interested in maintaining the proper decorum for royalty. He tries to convince her that he is a good king, and therefore will be a good husband. In return, she must be a proper queen, which means that she is quiet and submissive to the duty of royal office. As the King and Princess work through their differences, the Gypsy encourages the Maid to follow her heart and confess her love to the King, all in the hopes that true love will be more powerful than royal tradition.
The Rim of the World guide sections
