Course Synthesis 4 What we read

The major works we’ve read :

The American Dream - Edward Albee 

First preformed January 24, 1961

Part of Theatre of the Absurd, though a rare addition due to its actual resolution

It is never made clear what specifically is the American Dream in the play, whether it is the idea, Grandma, or both

Focuses heavily on materialism and how people’s views are shaped by society and not what they truly want

Displays a negative view of the new american dream

Ceremony - Leslie Marmon Silko 

Written in 1977

Focuses on the redemption of a young laguna man’s spirit after being corrupted by the war and the world

Non-linear narrative

Heavily influenced by native practices and cultures 

Makes the case that the white culture will not go away and that the native culture will have to adapt to face it and overcome challenges

Death of a Salesman - Arthur Miller

First preformed in 1949

Another take on the american dream, focuses on the futility of it and the stress it causes those who can never achieve it

The stress it causes on a family is shown through the anguish that Linda feels

Shows that not all who cannot achieve the american dream are pure and suffering from the cruelty of the world

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen 

Written in 1813

Takes aim at many of the views of what woman should be at the time, such as obedient, focused only on marriage, and dependent on a man

Sets up tiers of success based on how many of the true ideal qualities were exemplified 

Further attacks the system by displaying how the males of the society are often ignorant or inept and will lead the females to ruin or lesser standing unless they can fend for themselves 

Hamlet - William Shakespeare 

Written in the late 16th/ early 17th century 

Hamlet has more lines in this play than any other character in any other Shakespearean work

Not a lot of back story or stage direction, this ambiguity leaves a large amount to interpretation. This causes characters to be able to be viewed in multiple different angles, each causing a different meaning to be exacted from the play

Because every character can be seen in many ways, it is common for some people to think a character like Ophelia is pure, while others may view her as immoral

The fusion of Denmark and Elizabethan culture can often cause plot holes, and some belief needs to be suspended to maintain the somber attitude of the play