Topics for Further Study
- Shepard uses numerous symbols in Buried Child to convey deeper meanings to his audience. Reflect on the significance of Bradley's prosthetic leg, Dodge's baseball cap, and the blanket from the living room sofa as symbols in the play. What might each symbolize? How are they utilized by various characters? How do they influence your perception of the play's narrative?
- Read another modern American family drama, such as Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, or August Wilson's Fences, and discuss the different perspectives on family each playwright offers. Consider aspects like the responsibilities of parents, conflicts among family members, sibling rivalries, and the impact of domestic violence.
- Sam Shepard is often described as a postmodern writer. Research postmodernism as a style in late 20th-century drama. What postmodern elements does Shepard include in Buried Child? Which elements does he exclude?
- Many scholars and critics have identified corn and its harvest as key images and ritual influences in Buried Child. Using an encyclopedia or the Internet, research the history of this vital crop and find two to three examples of rituals related to its planting and harvesting. Be ready to explore cultures as varied as the ancient Egyptians, medieval Europeans, and Native Americans from a few centuries ago.
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