The King Dies marks the entrance of Ionesco into a new level, almost classical mastery over form.

Beranger here is a king with weakened power, his kingdom is collapsing - he learns he will die in an hour and a half. Thus, the entire play becomes an unrelenting, predetermined ritual of the downfall and death of King Beranger.

When he can no longer impose himself on the Keeper, the last remaining soldier, on the Nurse, and on his two wives, the world around him collapses, even the furniture disappears.

And finally, sitting on his throne, he is left alone, in the void. Then, even this image dissolves and turns to dust.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]