| Since the turn of the century, there has been, in modern drama, a remarkable growth of interest in the roles of the intruder and the intruded on. The motif of intrusion is favored by these five modern dramatists, because it provides them with the opportunity to present crises, conflicts, and frustrations of individuals in modern society.; To explore, through the major plays by the five dramatists, how the motif of intrusion is manipulated as a vehicle for their interpretation and presentation of reality, this study applies a combination of structural and cultural approaches to determine the nature, pattern, function, extent, and meaning of the motif of intrusion.; Structurally, each case of intrusion functions as a system wherein the intruder and the intruded on figures confront, counteract, and conflict with each other. The structural approach will help us to view the individual intrusions as elements of a frame work, so that we can see a pattern of life larger than the experience of the individuals. The cultural approach, on the other hand, enables us in the study of the motif to engage with the living situations of men and women, so that we can examine the intruders and the characters intruded on with special regard to their social and cultural contexts.; Due to the most profound, complicated and drastic social changes since the turn of the century, modern individuals have been ridden by fears, anxieties, and frustrations. Actions that once seemed noble have become questionable, while traditional moral values have become illusory. In contrast to earlier dramas, these five dramatists refuse to provide an answer or solution to the issues. In most of the cases, the audience is simply left to question. It is here that we find the unique literary values of the five dramatists. |
