Theatre, Theatricality and Metatheatre in "Behind a Mask" (1866) by Louisa May Alcott

Dossier / Travail , 2017 , 14 Pages , Note: 1,7

Philologie Anglaise - Littérature

The novella "Behind a Mask" was originally published under a pseudonym by the well-known "Little Women" author Louisa May Alcott for its deviation from her better known work. Combining elements of a mystery, the Gothic novel and modern thrillers, Alcott created the story of the actress Jean Muir whose acting abilities alone are her key to social upward mobility. The elements of acting, staging and performing are immanent in the novella and aspects of masking, theatre and theatricality as well as metatheatrical instances are the driving force of the plot. This paper analyses these examples and comes to the conclusion that the deceiving actress is a role forced upon the ambitious female by Victorian society.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Theatre in Behind a Mask
2.1. The Stage – Making the Home a Theatrical Space
2.2. The Mask – Playing the Leading Role
2.3. The Play – Acting with the Ensemble

3. Conclusion

4. Bibliography

• Université: University of Heidelberg (Neuphilologisches Institut)
• Cours: Proseminar
• Note: 1,7
• Auteur: Almut Amberg (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2017
• Pages: 14
• N° de catalogue: V954670
• ISBN (ebook): 9783346297938
• ISBN (Livre): 9783346297945
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Louisa May Alcott, Behind a Mask, Theatre, Metatheatre, Theatricality, Acting