Buried Child Essay

It represents the fragmentation of the American nuclear family in a context of disappointment and disillusionment with American mythology and the American Dream, the 70s rural scotch slowdown and the breakdown of traditional family structures and values. It reflects the universal frustrations of American people. The postmodern trend of this play incorporates surrealism and symbolism. Surrealism is part of the play. The use of symbols such as the rain and the feed give the play a symbolist element. The humor is also an inborn element. All these stylistic elements give the play a postmodern feel. eclectic method and skepticism have also to do with postmodernism.Dodge + Halie = Tilden and Bradley Tilden has give-and-take Vince whose young woman is ShellyThe character of Ansel he is the son that Halie idolizes as an All-American hero despite his death. Tilden and Bradley two failed their parents expectations. Both are expected to take over the farm or at least care for their paren ts in their old age. However both are handicapped Tilden emotionally and Bradley physically. They are unable to care for their parents and so unable to carry out the American Dream. Tilden he has no purpose, no direction in his life. He had sex with his mother. (Vince) Bradley aggressive, lost his leg. He Is emasculated by the removal of his leg.Dodge felt the failure of the farm and the family. He failed to make the farm successful. He is an alcoholic. He has been emasculated by his son and the infertility of his fields.The Priests reflects the breakdown of morality and ethics in America. The act of incest and the eat up breakdown the family values. Its a dysfunctional family.