SYMBOLISM IN THE PLA YS OF ANTON CHEKHOV AND SEAN Of CASEY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

bd-El-Fattah, Nagwa Yahia. "Symbolism in the Plays of Anton Chekhov and Sean O'Casey: A Comparative Study." Ph. D. Thesis, the Department of English Language and Literature, Women's College for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, 2000. ************** This thesis compares the symbolism of characters, objects, spectacles, sound and silence in the full-length plays of Anton Chekhov and Sean O'Casey. More affinities than disparities between the two dramatists are displayed. The thesis explains how the two playwrights' usage of this technique starts in their early plays: Platonov and The Harvest Festival which can represent the first period of these writers' dramatic careers. This usage develops till it reaches its climax in their mature plays: Three Sisters and Within the Gates, which can stand for the second period of the two dramatists' careers. It dominates their late plays and lasts till their very final plays: The Cherry Orchard and Behind the Green Curtains. Accordingly, the study proves that both playwrights are conscious symbolists who select their symbols from the world of reality as well as that of fantasy in order to convey their thoughts and hopes. The comparison also reveals to what extent the Russian Chekhov is a modem dramatist who has exercised his influence upon the Irish O'Casey. I