『굶주린 층의 저주』에 나타난 연극적 모티프로서의 가족저주

Family Curse as a Theatric Motif in Curse of the Starving Class

&nbsp;&nbsp;This study shows that the family curse in Greek mythology could be a theatric motif in contemporary American drama under the postmodernist condition which features the deconstruction of basic values like a family. Considering curse myths, human nature seen on Oedipus the King and Oresteia, and the tradition of American family drama, dysfunctional families in Shepard&quot;s family dramas could have theatric means in the mythic context like a family curse. All the theatric actions in Curse of the Starving Class are connected with curse myths and an eagle-tomcat-lamb fable.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike the will of the Delphic oracle which insists on understanding its own human condition, the Tates would escape from the farmhouse and family inheritance throughout the play. They also try to deconstruct gender identity through the rejection of the phallus and menstruation, and the change of gender roles. The family curse of the Tates links up with financial capitalism and speculators in real estate. Castration, menstruation, circumcision, and sacrifice which symbolize the Erinyes&quot;s blood, and some objects like a refrigerator and a table contribute to the realization of a family curse.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;Curse myths reflect a guilt-culture in western civilization. Hubris, the primal evil carries fear of sin. And a curse resulted from symbolic evils plants guilt feelings in human nature. The recognition of the primal evil provides the Tates with an opportunity for renewal. This study for Curse of the Starving Class by a family curse focuses on the theatric pursuit for human nature as well as the theatric performance of an inherited curse.