Date of Award

Fall 12-1-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Christopher Berchild

Second Advisor

Arthur Feinsod

Third Advisor

Robert Perrin

Abstract

This study is an investigation of American playwright, Edward Albee, and how he uses the themes of sex and religion to develop the plots and characters in three of his major works. Foremost, this analysis is devoted to the exploration of Albee's 1964 drama, Tiny Alice; however, this work also contains two secondary studies of Three Tall Women and The Play about the Baby. "The Origins of the Themes" presents biographical information relevant to the study of sex and religion. Albee's religious skepticism and spiritual self-discoveryalong with his volatile relationship with his mother brought on, in part, by his homosexuality-are the primary factors that have contributed to the repeated use of these themes throughout his plays. This chapter also points out the usefulness to this investigation, both in terms of my personal exploration and admiration for the playwright, and also as a contribution to Albee scholarship and future academic study. "Tiny Alice: Albee's Sacrifice" follows protagonist, Julian, as he meets, serves, and is subsequently killed by an unholy trinity-Lawyer, Butler, and Miss Alicewho represent a mysterious deity. This play is heavily influenced by the collision of the themes of sex and religion expressed through religious symbolism, biblical parallels, and sexual manipulation. This chapter explores how traditional images of 111 Judea-Christianity and erotic actions and dialogue are fused in order to illustrate the internal sufferings of an individual torn between faith and lust. "Three Tall Women: Albee's Exorcism" combines autobiographical exploration with overt images and discussions of the sex act. Three characters, all representing multiple stages in the life of Albee's mother, share the stories of their lives and their apprehensions for the future. Religious imagery subtly underscores the sex theme, and both combine to define the contradicting personalities. In addition to traditional Judea-Christian symbols, Albee also looks to the stories of Greek mythology to communicate the holiness of this unlikely trinity. "The Play about the Baby: Albee's Bacchanal" is a carnival of sex and religion, following the disjointed interactions of Boy and Girl as they attempt to defend their imaginary baby against the roaming hands of Man and Woman. Representing Adam and Eve before and after their fall from grace, these four allegorical characters are the very embodiments of the themes of sex and religion expressed collectively. In this absurdist comedy, Albee uses the invisible baby to pose questions about the validity and struggles of personal faith. "Finding the Future" concludes the study by exploring Albee's own ideas of the questions posed by his plays, and what he believes is the responsibly of the playwright to the audience. Constantly plagued with mixed reviews, the playwright defends the journeys of his characters and the challenges his works pose to the public.

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