True West

Definition

True West is a play written by Sam Shepard that explores themes of identity, family conflict, and the myth of the American West. The narrative centers around two brothers, Austin and Lee, who embody contrasting aspects of the American experience, with Austin representing the conventional path and Lee symbolizing a more chaotic, untamed existence. This dynamic reflects broader postmodern themes, such as the questioning of traditional narratives and the interplay between reality and illusion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The play was first performed in 1980 and has since become a staple in American theater, highlighting Shepard's exploration of familial relationships and American identity.
2. Austin is depicted as a screenwriter attempting to follow a conventional life, while Lee is portrayed as a drifter who challenges societal norms and expectations.
3. The play's setting in the California desert symbolizes both isolation and the harsh realities of life, contrasting with the romanticized notion of the American West.
4. True West employs a non-linear narrative structure, often blending reality with fantasy, which is characteristic of postmodern works.
5. The intense conflict between Austin and Lee serves as a microcosm for broader themes of American masculinity, success, and failure.

Review Questions

• How does Sam Shepard use the relationship between Austin and Lee to explore themes of identity in True West?
  • In True West, Shepard uses the contrasting personalities of Austin and Lee to delve into questions of identity and self-perception. Austin represents the idealized success narrative, with aspirations toward a traditional lifestyle, while Lee embodies rebellion against societal expectations. Their interactions reveal the struggles each brother faces in defining their identities against the backdrop of American ideals and myths.
• Discuss how postmodern elements are reflected in True West's structure and themes.
  • True West reflects postmodern elements through its non-linear structure and blending of reality with illusion. The chaotic relationship between Austin and Lee disrupts traditional narrative forms and challenges viewers' expectations. Additionally, the play critiques conventional narratives surrounding success and masculinity in America, showcasing how these myths are often flawed or unattainable, which aligns with postmodern skepticism.
• Evaluate how True West comments on the concept of the American Dream through its characters and setting.
  • True West serves as a critical commentary on the American Dream by contrasting its two central characters. Austin's pursuit of success through mainstream values juxtaposes with Lee's rejection of those ideals, highlighting the complexities of ambition and failure. The desert setting further emphasizes themes of isolation and disillusionment, suggesting that the American Dream is not only elusive but often fraught with personal conflict. Shepard's portrayal ultimately raises questions about what it means to achieve success in a society that often glorifies unattainable standards.

Related terms

Postmodernism:

An artistic and literary movement characterized by a skeptical, self-aware approach to culture, often questioning established narratives and embracing fragmented structures.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, often focusing on the absurdity of life and the search for meaning.

Dramatic Irony: A literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating tension and deeper understanding of the narrative.