THE TWENTIETH-CENTURY AMERICAN HOMECOMER PLAY.
Item
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Title
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THE TWENTIETH-CENTURY AMERICAN HOMECOMER PLAY.
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Identifier
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AAI8319755
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identifier
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8319755
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Creator
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COUNTS, MICHAEL LEE.
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Contributor
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Daniel Gerould
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Date
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1983
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Theater
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Abstract
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This dissertation examines twentieth-century American plays depicting the return of the soldier. A selective history of the homecomer play, beginning with Aeschylus's Oresteia and concluding with the twentieth century, is given. An appendix lists several foreign homecomer plays for possible further studies on the subject.;The major portion of the dissertation is an analysis of the American homecomer play. The analysis consists of seven major themes found in the homecomer plays spanning wars and genres: (1) Adjustment to Society; (2) Physical/Mental Handicaps; (3) Altered Perception of Society; (4) Society's Reception of the Homecomer; (5) Spouse, Fiancee, Loved One; (6) Homecomer as Ghost/Spirit; (7) Homecomers From More Than One War.;The analysis draws specific conclusions about the American homecomer play, offering new insights into American theatre and its playwrights. The American homecomer play is revealed as a particular type found in several periods, several genres, and written by a diverse group of playwrights.;A new perspective on the role of the black man in American theatre and dramatic literature is offered. O'Neill's Mourning Becomes Electra is shown in a different light when examined as a homecomer play. The homecomer play is revealed as an important part of American dramatic literature.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Theatre
