Symbolic creatures

spirituality and evanescence in Tennessee Williams´´´´ s plays and short stories

Autores

  • Anthoullis Demosthenous Ministério da Educação - Chipre

Palavras-chave:

Cristo, Igreja, Deus, Orfeu, Animal, Christ, Church, God, Orpheus

Resumo

O objetivo desta pesquisa é a interpretação do artifício poético de Williams quanto ao uso de animais, bestas mitológicas e criaturas simbólicas em peças teatrais e contos. Através de uma perspectiva interdisciplinar, nós comparamos diferentes casos, como a iguana em A noite do iguana, pássaros e tartarugas marinhas em De repente no último verão, o grifo em O trem da manhã não para mais aqui, o gato em A maldição, entre outros. Essas criaturas simbólicas são alusões à anima dos personagens fantásticos, significando a parte irracional da alma. Na iconografia religiosa, esses simbolismos são amplamente difundidos. As criaturas simbólicas constituem o subtexto de espiritualidade e de evanescência na obra de Williams.

Abstract

The aim of this research is the interpretation of William’s poetic contrivance concerning the use of animals, mythological beasts and symbolic creatures in plays and short stories. Through an interdisciplinary lens we juxtapose different cases such as the Iguana in The night of the iguana, birds and sea turtles in Suddenly last summer, griffin in A milktrain doesn’t stop here anymore, cat in “The malediction” etc. These symbolic creatures are allusions of fantastic characters’ anima, meaning the irrational part of the soul. In religious imagery these symbolisms are widespread. The symbolic creatures are the subtext of spirituality and evanescence in Williams’ work.

Biografia do Autor

  • Anthoullis Demosthenous, Ministério da Educação - Chipre

    Anthoullis Demosthenous studied History and Archaeology in the University of Athens. He has a Master's degree in Byzantine History. He is a PhD holder. His post-doctorate research examines the reactions of the Medieval audience. He has a second MA in Theatre Studies. He studied theatre direction and scenic art in Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His field of expertise is the American theatre and religious drama. He works as a freelance theatre director, staging plays in Cyprus, Greece and the U.S.A. He published books and articles on American playwright Tennessee Williams. 

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Publicado

2023-12-28

Edição

Vol. 7 N.º 2 (2023)

Secção

Artigos