George. Martha and Nick's Responses to the Totalitarian Vision of the Future
In analysing the different character responses to totalitarianism, the
audience is able to depict the different roles within the play
reflected in their attitudes. Totalitarianism is a political issue
that both George and Nick take an interest in. They discuss the loss
of individualism, a subject that provokes a battle of the minds
between Nick and George. Given the period in which this play was set,
it is relevant that this play should reflect the real threat of
nuclear warfare and Communism that individuals faced during the Cold
War. Through George's strong opinions, it is clear to establish
Albee's personal attack on social development through scientific
advancement. With regard to the conflict between George and Nick, the
play can easily be referred to as an allegory for conflict between
East and West Germany, in terms of what their characters represent.
Nick has been linked to the Russian leader Nikita Khrushchev who was
adamant about this totalitarian vision. This link to biology
corresponds with the scientific advancement of the East, which the
West feared so much. Moreover, George's fear of cloning and loss of
individuality could be linked to the West's fear of communism. From
George's responses, the audience is aware of his obvious dislike to
the prospect of one losing their autonomy.
In reference to the political nature of the play, it is said "Albee's
plays are calling for a renewal of the spirit and the revival of
liberal values. In that sense, [George] was a product of the Kennedy
years."[1] In this case, George's political views reflect the fa...
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...na, and in
response seems to like the fact that he appears to be passionate about
what he is talking about. Albeit mockingly, Martha responds with a
"Bravo!" to George's authoritarian tone, obviously enjoying his
dominance. This slight response reveals an affectionate part of Martha
that becomes that more evident as the play progresses.
In context, a part of each character's persona is mirrored through the
way in which they react to the totalitarian vision. Effectively, Albee
has delved into each individual relationship through interpreting how
they deal with such a complex issue such as Totalitarianism. With the
exception of Honey, a meaningful perspective can be established from
each of the indiuvidual characters.
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[1] Christopher Bigsby
Several conflicting frames of mind have played defining roles in shaping humanity throughout the twentieth century. Philosophical optimism of a bright future held by humanity in general was taken advantage of by the promise of a better life through sacrifice of individuality to the state. In the books Brave New World, 1984, and Fahrenheit 451 clear opposition to these subtle entrapments was voiced in similarly convincing ways. They first all established, to varying degrees of balance, the atmosphere and seductiveness of the “utopia” and the fear of the consequences of acting in the non-prescribed way through character development. A single character is alienated because of their inability to conform – often in protest to the forced conditions of happiness and well being. Their struggle is to hide this fact from the state’s relentless supervision of (supposedly) everything. This leads them to eventually come into conflict with some hand of the state which serves as the authors voice presenting the reader with the ‘absurdity’ of the principles on which the society is based. The similar fear of the state’s abuse of power and technology at the expense of human individuality present within these novels speaks to the relevance of these novels within their historical context and their usefulness for awakening people to the horrendous consequences of their ignorance.
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