English Language and Literature ETDs

Publication Date

8-15-1969

Abstract

The thesis compares the major themes of Edward Albee and Friedrich Dürrenmatt. The first chapter, "The Uncertain Nature of the Universe," suggests that in spite of man's technological developments certainty in life is an anachronism. Both Albee and Dürrenmatt emphasize that man may not know himself through society, but only in solitude. Dürrenmatt represents the social structure in The Physicists as chaotic and unpredictable. Albee represents the illusion of society most pointedly in The Zoo Story and in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Albee and Dürrenmatt say our chaotic condition is evidence of man's lack of power over his environment. Their picture is the opposite of that presented by the early behaviorists and naturalists. The artists resolve the dilemma of uncontrollability differently. Albee's heroes act passively in their frustration. Dürrenmatt's heroes react vigorously. It is suggested that heroes act differently because of the dramatists' different philosophies. Albee is generally an agnostic. Dürrenmatt, on the other hand, states man must always act as though he has faith in Divine Grace.

Degree Name

English

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

English

First Committee Member (Chair)

Ernest Warnock Tedlock Jr.

Second Committee Member

Sam B. Girgus

Third Committee Member

Robert Holzapfel

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Download

Share

COinS