| This thesis will examine how certain techniques of stage drama in The Adding Machine and The Emperor Jones, The Hairy Ape, The Great God Brown and Strange Interlude distinguish expressionism from other literary movements, especially realism. This study attempts to define expressionism in American theatre as it manifested itself in the work of Elmer Rice (1892–1967) and Eugene O'Neill (1888–1953). By examining the techniques and dramatic tendencies of O'Neill and Rice, this thesis focuses on the problem created by the expression of personal ideas and emotions by the playwright while he simultaneously assigns to his plays universal values with which he wishes the audience to associate. Because the work of O'Neill and Rice helped to define the criteria for American expressionism, this thesis examines closely each author's use of dialogue, plot structure and stage technique in order to establish a link between the use of the distortion of these dramatic elements and the immediate dramatic effect of this distortion on the audience. |
