Self-Discovery and the Break Away from Naturalism in Beth Henley's The Miss Firecracker Contest | ||||
| مجلة کلية الآداب جامعة الفيوم | ||||
| Article 2, Volume 8, Issue 13 - Serial Number 24, 2016, Page 128-152 PDF (726.66 K) | ||||
| Document Type: المقالة الأصلية | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/jfafu.2016.61741 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Author | ||||
| Heba Mouhammed Abd El Salam Ali | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Self-discovery should be an important purpose for everyone. It results in a consequence sense of self-esteem. The lack of self-esteem leads to shame and self-denial. When we lack the ability to define ourselves, we suffer from an intense sense of self-doubt. We cannot decide our values, beliefs, or aims. Instead, we are ready to accept the definition of the others even though they are false or forged. Beth Henley is one of the most important playwrights who highlight the theme of self- discovery in their drama. Henley's protagonists, especially the female ones, deny the false definitions that fence them as a result of the oppressive rules and expectations of their community. Thus, women's self-esteem and self-determination are two qualities that go hand in hand in Beth Henley's drama. Henley proves that without the ability to develop a sense of self-worth, a woman will have a few chances of forming self-determination. Beth Henley is classified as a naturalistic playwright. She applies the naturalistic style of writing trying to present a slice of life put on stage with art. Moreover, Henley depicts the theme of self-discovery through a gentle break away from the traditional concept of naturalism. The Miss Firecracker Contest stands as a good example of such break away. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| The Miss Firecracker Contest; American materialism; the “Southern Belle"; the patriarchal authority | ||||
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