The play “Orpheus Descending” was first presented on Broadway in 1957 where it only had a short run with modest success; it was almost universally condemned by critics. The play is a rewrite of an earlier play by Williams called “Battle of Angels”. In 1940 the Theatre Guild had produced “Battle of Angels” in Boston but it had been very poorly received. The play was withdrawn after Boston’s “Watch and Ward Society” had banned it. The reason for this lay within the explosive topics it deals with such as racism, (suppressed) sexuality, adultery, corruption and murder. Even tough Williams rewrote his play several times and worked on it for 17 years, “Orpheus Descending” too, was harshly criticized and widely considered a failure.
Nevertheless, the play has been made into a movie twice: The first movie version was titled “The Fugitive Kind” (1959) and directed by Sidney Lumet and Tennessee Williams himself. Starring actors were Marlon Brando, Joanne Woodward and Anna Magnani. The second movie version is a TV production from 1990 and bears the name of the play “Orpheus Descending”. It is directed by British theatre and film director Peter Hall, starring Vanessa Redgrave and Kevin Anderson.
Tennessee Williams drama “Orpheus Descending” involves a lot of aspects that can also be discovered in his more popular plays.
Table of Contents
- 1. Tennessee Williams' „Orpheus Descending”
- 2.1 The Play
- 2. The Setting and Time
- 3. The Main Characters
- 4. Symbolism, the Orpheus Legend
- 5. Style
- 6. Summary and Interpretation
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Tennessee Williams' "Orpheus Descending," focusing on key aspects of the play to enhance its understanding and interpretation. The analysis will explore the plot, setting, character development, symbolism, and stylistic elements.
- The clash between individual freedom and societal constraints in a small Southern town.
- The destructive nature of societal hypocrisy and repression, particularly concerning sexuality and race.
- The exploration of themes of love, loss, and redemption amidst a backdrop of moral decay.
- The use of symbolism and the Orpheus myth to enrich the narrative and thematic depth.
- The portrayal of Southern life in the early 1950s and its impact on the characters.
Chapter Summaries
1. Tennessee Williams' „Orpheus Descending”: This introductory chapter provides background information on the play's troubled production history, highlighting its initial critical failures and subsequent adaptations into film. It also outlines the thesis's focus on specific aspects of the play, laying the groundwork for a detailed analysis.
2.1 The Play: This section details the plot of "Orpheus Descending." It introduces Val Xavier, a charismatic outsider, who arrives in a small Southern town and disrupts the established order. His relationship with Lady Torrance, a trapped and unhappy woman, forms the central conflict. Their affair, fueled by mutual attraction and a desire for freedom, is ultimately doomed by the town's repressive morality and the violent actions of Lady's dying husband, Jabe. The chapter culminates in a tragic climax, with Jabe accidentally killing Lady and Val being lynched by the townspeople.
2. The Setting and Time: This chapter examines the play's setting in a small Southern town in the early 1950s, connecting it to the broader cultural context of post-World War II America. It highlights the prevailing social conservatism, racial segregation, and lingering trauma of the Great Depression. The chapter uses examples from the play, such as the racist language used by authority figures and the reference to the Willie McGee case, to illustrate the societal repression and injustice prevalent at the time. The contrast between the town's rigid morality and the characters' yearning for freedom is a crucial element discussed.
3. The Main Characters: This section delves into the key characters of the play, focusing on the relationship between Val and Lady. It describes Val as a wanderer seeking stability, contrasting his "wild" past with his desire for a settled life. Lady is portrayed as a sensitive and lonely woman trapped in a loveless marriage. The chapter also introduces other significant characters, such as Jabe Torrance, the controlling and abusive husband, and Carol Cutrere, an unconventional woman who represents a rejection of societal norms. The analysis highlights the character's complexities and their interactions, emphasizing the central conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.
Keywords
Southern Gothic, societal repression, individual freedom, sexuality, racism, Orpheus myth, symbolism, Tennessee Williams, small-town life, tragedy, conformity, rebellion.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tennessee Williams' "Orpheus Descending"
What is this document?
This document is a comprehensive language preview providing an overview of a thesis analyzing Tennessee Williams' play "Orpheus Descending." It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main topics covered in the thesis?
The thesis analyzes "Orpheus Descending" by focusing on its plot, setting, character development, symbolism, and stylistic elements. Key themes explored include the conflict between individual freedom and societal constraints in a small Southern town; the destructive nature of societal hypocrisy and repression, particularly concerning sexuality and race; the exploration of love, loss, and redemption; the use of symbolism and the Orpheus myth; and the portrayal of Southern life in the early 1950s.
What is the play's plot summarized?
The play centers around Val Xavier, a charismatic outsider, who arrives in a small Southern town and disrupts the established order. His relationship with Lady Torrance, a trapped and unhappy woman, forms the central conflict. Their affair, driven by mutual attraction and a desire for freedom, is ultimately doomed by the town's repressive morality and the violent actions of Lady's dying husband, Jabe. The play concludes tragically with Jabe accidentally killing Lady and Val being lynched.
What is the significance of the play's setting?
The setting, a small Southern town in the early 1950s, is crucial. It reflects the broader cultural context of post-World War II America, highlighting social conservatism, racial segregation, and the lingering impact of the Great Depression. The contrast between the town's rigid morality and the characters' yearning for freedom is a central element.
Who are the main characters and what are their roles?
Key characters include Val Xavier, a wanderer seeking stability; Lady Torrance, a sensitive woman trapped in a loveless marriage; Jabe Torrance, Lady's controlling and abusive husband; and Carol Cutrere, a woman who rejects societal norms. The analysis explores their complexities and interactions, emphasizing the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.
What is the significance of symbolism and the Orpheus myth in the play?
The thesis explores how Williams uses symbolism and the Orpheus myth to enrich the narrative and thematic depth. These elements contribute to the overall understanding of the characters' struggles and the play's tragic outcome.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include Southern Gothic, societal repression, individual freedom, sexuality, racism, Orpheus myth, symbolism, Tennessee Williams, small-town life, tragedy, conformity, and rebellion.
What is the objective of this thesis?
The thesis aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of "Orpheus Descending," enhancing its understanding and interpretation through an exploration of its various aspects.
What does the introductory chapter cover?
The introductory chapter provides background information on the play's production history, highlighting its initial critical failures and subsequent adaptations. It also outlines the thesis's focus and lays the groundwork for the detailed analysis.
- Quote paper
- Katharina Kullmer (Author), 2006, Tennessee Williams' play "Orpheus descending" - an analysis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/83419
