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Thesis_SanjanaPandit.pdf (296.24 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Trauma, Identity and Gender Dynamics in Contemporary American Theatre: Exploring Topdog/Underdog and Is God Is

Pandit, Sanjana
http://orcid.org/0009-0009-6103-374X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu170619532971762

Abstract Details

2023, Master of Arts in English, Cleveland State University, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
Topdog/Underdog by Suzan Lori Parks and Is God Is by Aleshea Harris are the two outstanding works in contemporary American theater examined in this thesis. Through their plays, Parks and Harris examine topics of trauma, identity, and mental health challenges in contemporary society. They explore the psychological and emotional effects on their characters, drawing on trauma theory and feminist theory. A critical examination of the central characters in both plays – Lincoln and Booth in Topdog/Underdog and Anaia and Racine in Is God Is examines the traumatic experiences that shape their lives. This study explains the profound influence of societal forces on their identities and actions by exploring how these characters grapple with their pasts using the trauma theory lens. The Oedipal complex emerges, highlighting sibling rivalries, power struggles and legacy issues. Women’s representation and agency within male dominated worlds are explored from a feminist perspective in this dissertation.
Frederick Karem, Dr. (Committee Chair)
Michael Geither, Dr. (Committee Member)
James Marino, Dr. (Committee Co-Chair)
40 p.
Literature
feminine rage; feminist theory; gender difference; oedipal complex; toxic masculinity; trauma theory

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Pandit, S. (2023). Trauma, Identity and Gender Dynamics in Contemporary American Theatre: Exploring Topdog/Underdog and Is God Is [Master's thesis, Cleveland State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu170619532971762

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Pandit, Sanjana. Trauma, Identity and Gender Dynamics in Contemporary American Theatre: Exploring Topdog/Underdog and Is God Is. 2023. Cleveland State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu170619532971762.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Pandit, Sanjana. "Trauma, Identity and Gender Dynamics in Contemporary American Theatre: Exploring Topdog/Underdog and Is God Is." Master's thesis, Cleveland State University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu170619532971762

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

csu170619532971762
215
© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Cleveland State University and OhioLINK.