Martin Esslin and the American Absurdists: A 'Viewer response' analysis of American playwrights discussed in 'The Theatre of the Absurd'.

摘要

Even though Martin Esslin provides an exhaustive analysis of European playwrights of the Absurd, he only superficially treats American authors writing within that convention. Esslin describes the convention in detail, but does not articulate a clear definition. Furthermore, according to Esslin, because American authors of the 1950s and early 1960s still believed in the American Dream, they were incapable of writing Absurdist plays.; This thesis shows Esslin to be incorrect concerning two American authors, Edward Albee and Arthur Kopit. It demonstrates how works by these two authors make unique contributions to the tradition of the Absurd and suggests an inclusive definition applicable to both European and American works.