A Question of Mercy

by David Rabe

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?"

Genres: Plays, Theatre, Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 1998

Reviews

[Ramsha]

Read for school, can’t wait to act the play out in class 🤡

[Marina Sharif]

Important tale about an ethical dilemma involving the wishing of a dying man to a doctor and his lover. Much like the story by Selzer which this play is based on, A Question of Mercy is gripping and heart wrenching. With the play I found myself enthralled page by page, imagining the scenes clearly, unsure of what could happen next even though I knew. Enjoyed it a lot.

[Rachel]

Read for an adaptation class. Essay that inspired it was simpler and more powerful as far as I'm concerned.

[Andrew]

Excellent read