Rev Road Context Flashcards
(9 cards)
Kazin
RR “locates the new american tragedy squarely on the field of marriage”
Tragicomedy
can be read as an Aristotelian tragedy as the characters downfalls are caused by their own flaws - however also a suggestion that there are forces outside of their control - GRs
= subtle comedy - Jack Ordway, Ted Bandy, Mrs Givings & Frank trying to be so manly his face hurts
often uses similes to be both serious and funny - undermines tension of the plot
Realism
set in everyday setting - depicted as dull is not romanticised
mundane tasks focused on constantly Frank cleans the house after April’s death
use of slang and swearing in dialogue = typical of realism
Gender Roles
1950s women forced back into domestic role
acceptable fem = one who embraced preg, mar, motherhood & fam
American Dream
values individual ambition but constrains through societal values - A&F don’t find fulfillment
picture window = common in post-war houses - in play represents the control society has over indus
Historical Context
fear of the nuclear bomb = widespread - led to many writers reflecting themes of uncertainty & existentialism
abortion threatened soc’s idea of feminity
McCarthyism - persued artists, interllectuals etc who could disrupt soc stability - ppl conformed bc didn’t want to be labelled a radical
Mental Illness
regarded w/ fear & confusion = neg stereos - frightening & unpred = excluded from soc
New Historicist Reading
would examine the novels position on mental health, gender roles, uncertainty, dissatisfaction as being a product of the time
Feminist Reading
may crit the oppres of women and applaud April’s attempt to maintain autonomy over her life - ultimately falls victim to the patri soc
some may say Yates is sympathetic to feminism - A = empowering figure however the dom of male POV suggests otherwise
