An Analysis On Brecht's Estrangement Effect In Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?

Brecht's estrangement effect has exerted a great influence on global theatrical field,including the 20th century American drama. It prevents the audience from being simply identified with the characters in the plays and leaves them enough space for critical thinking. Many dramatists of the absurd have inherited the approaches and at the same time made some promotion, achieving estrangement effect to the most extent in both writing and performance. Albee's practice is a good example. Yet little research work has been done on this area, which is the researching purpose of this thesis.Taking Who Is Afraid of Virginia Woolf? as the example, this thesis analyzes Albee's inheritance and contribution concerning the application and development of estrangement effect under the framework of Brecht's estrangement theory. Firstly, it mainly centers on the discussion of Albee's achievement of estrangement effect from the perspective of language, pointing out that traditional approaches, including rhetorical devices, the use of divine speeches and micro-dialogues in conversations, are all helpful in achieving estrangemnet effect, while creative ways, like the use of loan words, informal language and pinteresque language can also achieve the same effect. Secondly, it explores skills of representation for the achievement of estrangement effect. Analyses are made through investigating rich examples on the arrangement of plot and handling of characters, while the magical use of symbolism is also taken into consideration. Thirdly, it focuses on the study of stage performance concerning its contribution to the estrangement effect. The thesis finds that the simple design of setting, symbolic significance of stage directions and unconventional use of background music have all contributed a lot in achieving the effect.Finally, it emphasizes Albee's innovation of the theory. Through flexible intersection of time and space and successful insertion of absurd elements into the play, Albee enriches its connotation.The skillful application of estrangement effect in the theater satisfies people's esthetic demand, sublimates the meaning inside drama, and meanwhile makes it more charming.With the aforementioned the analyses of Albee's play, the thesis concludes that Albee has not only inherited, but also innovated the theory of estrangement by mingling of the elements from the theater of absurd with the theory. Albee's successful practice also showcases that Brecht's ideas about estrangement effect are open and inclusive.