A Study of Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance in the light of Erving Gaffman's Theatrical Analogy

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

English Dep., Humanities Faculty, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar Branch

10.22059/jsal.2025.375028.666307

Abstract

A Study ofEdward Albee’s A Delicate Balance in the light of
Erving Gaffman's Theatrical Analogy

Abstract
Analyzing the social performances in verbal actions and interactions of individuals is one of the recent approaches in the sociological studies (also famously known as micro-level analysis). Such verbal interactions cannot be limited to some manifest features comprehensible by individuals; rather, they include some latent elements which, while may not be directly pointed at in an individual's behavioral actions, certainly play significant role in the analysis of his/her actions. Edward Albee (1928-2016), a well-known American playwright, has made his works a playground, the thorough understanding of which is heavily dependent on reconstructing characters' action-based performance codified in their silence and speech. These action-based performances are studied in the sociological theories of Erving Gaffman. The research method, in this paper, is qualitative with the approach of directed content analysis. The article attempts to apply Gaffman's theatrical performance, impression management, self-representation, before-scene and behind-scene manner, performance evaluation in A Delicate Balance, one of Albee's best-known plays.
Key Terms: Erving Gaffman, Edward Albee, drama, A delicate Balance, Theatrical Analogy
Key Terms: Erving Gaffman, Edward Albee, drama, A delicate Balance, Theatrical Analogy

Key Terms: Erving Gaffman, Edward Albee, drama, A delicate Balance, Theatrical Analogy

Keywords

References

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Sociology of Art and Literature
Volume 16, Issue 2
Autumn & winter 2025
July 2025
Pages 7-23

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