- All Journals
- Al-Qadisiyah University
- Basrah University
- Kirkuk University
- Mosul University
- The Iraqi Borad for Medical Specialization
- University of Anbar
- University of Technology
- Al Mustafa University
- Al-Zahraa University for Women
- Alnoor University
- Kunooz University
- Misan University
- Ninevah University
- Tikrit University
- University of Al-Hamdaniya
- University of Kerbala
THE EFFECT OF THE DEPRESSION ON THE LOWER-MIDDLE CLASS AMERICAN FAMILY IN CLIFFORD ODETS’ PLAY AWAKE AND SING! | ||
| Alustath | ||
| Article 1, Volume 0, Issue 202, 2012, Pages 103-130 | ||
| Author | ||
| Zainab Ismat Safaeddin | ||
| Abstract | ||
| During the thirties of the twentieth century, America witnessed the most destructive economic downturn which was called the Great Depression. It began in 1929 and lasted through the 1930s. It caused political, social, and economic changes. It affected American families in dramatic ways as thousands of people lost their jobs. The suffering of the American family was very great during the Depression. Due to their moral responsibility the American playwrights of the time used the stage as a means to reflect social problems. Clifford Odets (1906-1963) was one of the most prominent American playwrights of the thirties. He tried to show the reality of the American society and the suffering of ordinary people and their struggle to fulfill personal ambitions during the Depression. He had great faith in men’s ability to overcome obstacles as they understood themselves in a difficult life. The study reveals the suffering of the American families during the Depression era in Odets’ three plays: Awake and Sing! (1935). This play reveals the effect of the Depression on the lower-middle class family. The play is concerned with the lower-middle class American family life in Bronx during the Depression. As the family members aspire to a better life, they struggle with their everyday problems. | ||
|
Statistics Article View: 241 PDF Download: 76 |
||