Neil LaBute's Reason to be Pretty and Reason to Be Happy - A Study of Gender
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25130/jaa.15.55.4.25Keywords:
Neil LaBute, Gender, Reason to Be PrettyAbstract
This research focuses on how the portrayal of a gender crisis, whether actual or imagined, necessitates and necessitates a revision of gender identity. Specifically, it examines "Reason to be Pretty" and "Reason to be Happy" by Neil LaBute. This paper will concentrate on a particular theoretical formulation of gender present in each play. The drama depicts an instantiated gender that does not allow for the renegotiation or reestablishing of traditional masculinity and femininity. The second chapter addresses the characters' attempts to renegotiate their sexist male identity in Reasons to Be Pretty and Reason to Be Happy. Greg's desire for reform and ability to retool his subjectivity creates the possibility of either genuine improvement or a more subtle manipulation and oppression of the feminine gender. The author explores the same characters in two plays at different dates and locations. Through this study, LaBute demonstrates how the American culture is preoccupied with outward appearances, be they beauty or external happiness.
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