On Nature Writing In Edward Albee's Dramas

Having won the Pulitzer Prize for drama for three times, Edward Albee(1928-) has been, beyond any doubt, one of the most influential dramatists in the American theatrical circles. Previous studies usually labeled him as an absurdist, holding to the opinion that his dramas were a reflection of the essence of the absurd dramas. In terms of such a label, Albee himself did not buy it. The author admitted that, although there did exist certain absurd elements in Albee's dramas, it was necessary to dig out and explore the myth behind the absurd. Actually, the absurd factors did not cover up Albee's earnest attention to nature in the process of drama creating and thinking. Albee tried to make use of them to inspire the public to seek harmony and freedom in nature. Nature writing is an important motif in Albee's drama creation.By reviewing different interpretations of nature and nature writing in literary history, this thesis tends to explore Albee's intention of nature writing and its far-reaching significance. By discussing the status of the human and non-human in the natural world, and their relationship with each other, pure love, pious respect and constant desire toward nature were expressed. By emphasizing several key points as freedom, communication, respect and understanding in the natural world, the thesis tends to propose the idea of new humanism, nature-oriented and advocating the pursuit of profound freedom in nature, of the harmonious coexistence between man and nature, accordingly weakening the idea of human-orientation.Based on the title On Nature Writing in Edward Albee's Dramas, centering on three dramas as The Zoo Story, The Seascape, and The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?, respectively from the early, middle and late stages, emphasizing the relationship between man and man, man and nature, human and non-human in nature, this thesis aims to probe into the profound meaning of Albee's nature writing. The body part mainly includes three parts, reflecting three progressive views of Albee's nature writing. The Zoo Story presents man's isolated state, caging outside nature, and it, by means of the “talk” between the two protagonists, reflects man's desire for the communication with nature. The Seascape presents man's active state, and it, by means of the preliminary communication between man and creatures, reflects man's willing to escape to the natural world. The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? presents man's free state, and it, by means of the astounding love between man and the goat, presents the ultimate integration of man and nature.Throughout Albee's creating course, we can make it clear that Edward Albee has cherished the desire of equality and coexistence between man and nature from his inner heart. He has stored his nature complex in his drama creation, and his nature writing is of great sense of social responsibility, as well as certain practical significance.