Arab World English Journal (April, 2018) Theses ID 203 Pp. i- 124
DOI:https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/th.203
Author: Aljawharah Hussain Hamad Alharbi
Thesis Title: The Catalyst: An Indepth Look at the Damaging Effects of the Absent Character in Selected American Plays
Subject/major: English Literature, Drama
Institution: English Department, Faculty of Arts, King Saud University
Degree: M. A
Year of award: 2006
Supervisor: Dr. Maijan Al-Ruwaili
Keywords: absent character, Eugene O’Neill, modern American drama, Susan Glaspell, Tennessee William, Edward Albee
Abstract:
The Absent Character is a very important figure in modern American drama. It is employed as a means to reinforce the plot and to catalyze the actions of the play. This thesis addresses this importance as it relates to simulating the actions of the play and the effects this character leads to. I have focused on the dark side of the absent character and on how it succeeds in creating a hunting presence. My selected pivots on Susan Glaspell’s Trifles, Eugene O’Neill’s The Iceman Cometh, Tennessee William’s The Glass Menagerie and Edward Albee’s who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Focusing on these representative plays, I have found that the absent character is so overwhelming that it becomes a presence on the stage. Its haunting presence usually destroys and paralyzes the lives of the onstage characters and creates a negative impact on the viewer.
Cite as: Alharbi, A. H. H. (2017). The Catalyst: An Indepth Look at the Damaging Effects of the Absent Character in Selected American Plays. English Department, Faculty of Arts, King Saud (M.A’s Thesis). Retrieved from (Arab World English Journal Database. (ID Number: 203, 2018). DOI:https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/th.2003