Unraveling The Facade: Exploring The Causes Of Family Dysfunction In Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?
Abstract
This research paper delves into the complexities of family relationships in Edward Albee’s play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ? Through a critical lens, this study examines the destructive patterns and games that emerge when communication breaks down, expectations are unmet, and emotions are suppressed. The analysis reveals how the characters struggles with intimacy, power dynamics, and societal norms lead to emotional conflict, addiction, and family dysfunction. By exploring the tensions between truth and illusion, private vulnerability, and the consequences of denying one’s true self, this study demonstrates how Albee’s play critiques the societal expectations and gender roles that can destroy relationships. Ultimately, this research highlights the importance of authentic communication, emotional connection, and vulnerability in building resilient families.
References
2. Al-Hajaj, Jinan Fedhil Breyo. “Personal Failure and the Emasculated Male in Edward Albee’s ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ?’” European Journal of Scientific Research, 2019, pp. 457-467.
3. Atte, Oksanen. “To get high or to get out? Examining the link between addictive behaviours and escapism.” Substance Use & Misuse 57, no. 2, 2022.
4. Clurman, Harold. “The Fervent Years.” Knopf, 1963.
5. Clurman, Harold. “The Playwright’s Vision.” Nation, vol. 195, no. 12, 20 Oct. 1962, pp. 277-278.
6. Cocteau, Jean. “On Invisibility.” Diary of an Unknown, 1953.
7. Gassner, John. “Theatre at the Crossroads.” Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1965.
8. Gassner, John. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ? New York Times, 14 Oct. 1962, pp. 1-2.
9. Hauge, K. “Interpreted Identities: Exploring the Development of (Male) Homosexual Presentation in American Drama.” Master thesis, 2009.
10. Kerr, Walter. “The Theatre in Spite of Itself.” Simon and Schuster, 1963.
11. Kerr, Walter. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ? New York Herald Tribune, 14 Oct. 1962, pp. 1-2.
12. Milton, John, and Henry John Todd. “The Poetical Works of John Milton: With Notes of Various Authors,” 1826, p. 379.
13. Pascoal, Patrícia Monteiro, Isabel de Santa Bárbara Narciso, and Nuno Monteiro Pereira. “What is Sexual Satisfaction? Thematic Analysis of Lay People’s Definitions.” Journal of Sex Research 51, no. 1, 2014, pp. 22-30.
14. Simon, John. “Uneasy Stages.” Random House, 1965.
15. Simon, John. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ? New Leader, vol. 45, no. 21, 22 Oct. 1962, pp. 22-23.
