Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Cyclopedia of Literary Places)
At a glance:
- Author: Edward Albee
- First Published: 1962
- Type of Work: Drama
- Type of Plot: Absurdist
- Time of Work: Mid-twentieth century
- Genres: Drama, Psychological drama, Absurdist literature
- Subjects: Teaching or teachers, 1960’s, Sex or sexuality, Marriage, Alienation, New England, Alcoholism or alcoholics, Substance abuse, Adultery, Parties, Games
- Locales: New England
Places Discussed
New Carthage. Fictional town named after a city from the ancient world. Carthage was destroyed forever when the Romans added salt to the soil, ensuring that nothing would grow there and that the place would become a wasteland. George and Martha’s marriage is sterile—the only child they produce is an imaginary one—and nothing positive seems to come from their union. The play is a black comedy of vitriolic abuse and tart sleaziness, as it highlights licentious drink and sex, with the two couples descending into sadomasochistic games and behavior.
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