Date of Award

1-1-2014

Language

English

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

College/School/Department

Department of English

Content Description

1 online resource (111, 68 pages)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Carolyn Yalkut

Committee Members

Langdon Brown

Keywords

Horror, Theatre, Horror plays, Horror in literature

Subject Categories

Arts and Humanities

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to examine a selection of dramatic examples from specific historical time periods in order to determine the elements that manifest horror on stage. By establishing the parameters of the horror genre as it pertains to live theatre, a definition begins to form that incorporates not only characteristics of the text, but also the significant role of audience response and authorial intent. The audience's relationship to the text, which ultimately dictates what the playwright chooses to include in the drama, is a communal experience of catharsis based on the battle between good and evil that ultimately gives the horror genre meaning as well as purpose.

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