The Goat or Who is Sylvia Analysis

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The mutual commitment to society’s rules can be a major unifying force between two individuals in a relationship. Both of these entities know that society will look at them favorably for together conforming to the rules. Thus, they agree to commit to them. Consequently, this desire to conform to the status quo becomes a part of these individuals’ identities. It shapes their sense of right and wrong and influences their everyday actions. However, when one party falters in this commitment the obedient other feels cheated because the image and sense of purpose she/he derived from this conformity is now tarnished. Having lost a major part of their identities the obedient persons use the “shock and awe” tactic and commit an out of character act to force their transgressing partners to contemplate their wrong actions. This theme of “shock and awe” is exhibited in the actions of the character “Stevie” in Edward Albee’s play “The Goat, or, Who is Sylvia?” and N.S.A whistleblower Edward Snowden. In “The Goat, or, Who is Sylvia?” Stevie is portrayed as the wife in a liberal American family. She is married for more than twenty years to a successful architect, Martin, and has a gay son whom she has fully accepted. Initially, Stevie appears to be the archetypal wife for she is able to complete Martin’s thoughts and sentences. Also, she buys flowers for the house and goes shopping for fish. She seems happy and content with her family and even utters a joke when Martin casually asserts that he is having an affair with a goat (Sylvia). However, unbeknownst to Stevie, Martin is engaging in a potentially embarrassing and scandalous act. He is actually having sexual relations with a goat! He confesses this to Ross—a mutual friend of him and Stev... ... middle of paper ... ...om/2014/01/18/us/politics/obama-nsa.html?_r=0 Lewis, P., Roberts, D. (2013) NSA reform bill to trim back US surveillance unveiled in Congress The Guardian. 25 September 2013 Retrieved on 12 March 2014 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/25/nsa-reform-bill-surveillance-congress Robinson, C (2006). From Delicate Absence to Presence: The Child in Edward Albee’s Alternating Families. AMERICANA E-Journal of American Studies in Hungary Volume II No. 2. Fall 2006 Retrieved on 9 March 2014 http://americanaejournal.hu/vol2no2/cristian-essay Owen, P., McCarthy. T. (2013). Edward Snowden appears at Moscow airport The Guardian. 12 July 2013 Retrieved on 12 March 2014 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/12/edward-snowden-to-meet-amnesty-and-human-rights-watch-at-moscow-airport-live-coverag

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