Buried child

Definition

Buried Child is a play by Sam Shepard that explores themes of family dysfunction, the disillusionment of the American Dream, and the hidden traumas that shape individual identities. The term symbolizes the buried secrets and unaddressed issues within a family, reflecting the broader societal struggles faced by many American families in a rapidly changing world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The play premiered in 1978 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979, establishing Shepard as a significant voice in American theater.
2. The title 'Buried Child' refers to both a literal child that has been hidden and the metaphorical idea of repressed family traumas that affect all characters.
3. Shepard uses symbols like the farm setting and the concept of land to comment on lost heritage and the collapse of traditional values in America.
4. The character of Dodge represents the weary patriarch who is haunted by past failures and unfulfilled dreams, embodying the theme of disillusionment with the American Dream.
5. Buried Child incorporates elements of absurdist drama, using dark humor and surreal situations to expose the deeper truths of family life and societal expectations.

Review Questions

• How does Buried Child illustrate the concept of family dysfunction?
  • Buried Child vividly portrays family dysfunction through its characters, whose interactions reveal deep-seated resentments and unresolved issues. The disconnection among family members, highlighted by their inability to communicate effectively or support one another, exemplifies how trauma can fracture familial relationships. This dysfunction manifests in various ways, from Dodge's withdrawal to Halie's delusions about her family's status, showcasing the destructive effects of buried secrets.
• Discuss how the themes of the American Dream are critiqued in Buried Child.
  • In Buried Child, the American Dream is critiqued through the characters' lives, which illustrate the stark contrast between expectation and reality. The family's failing farm symbolizes lost aspirations and economic despair, representing a broader commentary on how the pursuit of success often leads to disillusionment. Shepard portrays characters who grapple with their unfulfilled desires and broken dreams, revealing how societal pressures can distort individual identities and relationships.
• Evaluate the role of absurdism in shaping the narrative and themes of Buried Child.
  • Absurdism plays a critical role in Buried Child by emphasizing the illogical nature of family dynamics and societal expectations. The play's surreal moments highlight characters' struggles against an incomprehensible reality, where traditional values have crumbled. This absurdity reveals deeper truths about human existence—specifically, how individuals navigate their identities amidst chaos. By blending humor with tragedy, Shepard effectively captures the existential crisis faced by modern families.

Related terms

American Dream:

A cultural ideal that suggests success and prosperity can be achieved through hard work and determination, often critiqued in literature for its unattainable nature.

Dysfunctional Family: A family unit characterized by conflict, miscommunication, and unhealthy dynamics that hinder the emotional and psychological well-being of its members.

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that highlights the inherent meaninglessness of life, often reflected in literature and drama through illogical situations and characters struggling against absurd circumstances.