This paper attempts a comparative analysis of Americanness in the play "One-Third of a Nation". The title of the play was taken from the following statement in 1937 of Roosevelt: "I see one-third of a nation ill-housed, ill-clad, ill-nourished. ...". "One-Third of a Nation" became one of the most successful plays of Living Newspaper with 237 performances between 1937-1939.
As the editor playwright of the group, Arent intended to investigate the circumstances behind conditions rather than surface news. "One-Third of a Nation" traced the story of American tenement housing by reflecting various conditions with various people. This paper deals with the circumstances of the play and the reactions of the public. It sheds light on the accusations of both the leftist and the rightist and shows that the project is "as American as Walt Disney".
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- One-Third of a Nation (1938)
- Accusations by the leftist
- Accusations by the rightist
- As American as Walt Disney
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study analyzes the Living Newspaper play One-Third of a Nation by Arthur Arent, examining its impact on American society during the Great Depression. It explores the play's significance in the context of the Federal Theatre Project (FTP) and its response to social and political issues of the era.
- The impact of the Great Depression on American society
- The role of the Federal Theatre Project in providing employment and entertainment during the Depression
- The use of theatre as a tool for social commentary and political activism
- The portrayal of Americanness in One-Third of a Nation
- The relationship between theatre and politics in the 1930s
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter provides historical context for the study by outlining the economic crisis of the Great Depression and the establishment of the Federal Theatre Project (FTP). The FTP's objectives, including providing employment for theatre professionals and making theatre accessible to the public, are discussed.
- One-Third of a Nation (1938): This chapter focuses on the play One-Third of a Nation, its production, and its themes. The play's social commentary on poverty, unemployment, and housing conditions during the Depression is explored.
- Accusations by the leftist: This chapter explores leftist criticisms of the play, examining their arguments and perspectives. The potential for the play to be interpreted as a critique of the New Deal policies is discussed.
- Accusations by the rightist: This chapter examines rightist criticisms of the play, analyzing their arguments and perspectives. The play's potential to be seen as a threat to traditional values and social order is discussed.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary keywords and focus topics of this study include the Federal Theatre Project, Living Newspaper, One-Third of a Nation, Arthur Arent, the Great Depression, Americanness, social commentary, political activism, and the relationship between theatre and politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of the play "One-Third of a Nation"?
Produced by the Living Newspaper during the Great Depression, it highlighted the dire housing conditions in America, inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1937 inaugural address.
What was the Federal Theatre Project (FTP)?
The FTP was a New Deal program established to provide employment for theatre professionals during the Great Depression and to make theatre accessible to the general public.
Why was the play criticized by the rightist?
Right-wing critics often viewed the play as government-funded propaganda that threatened traditional social orders and private property values.
What were the leftist accusations against the play?
Some leftist critics argued the play didn't go far enough in its systemic critique or that it merely supported New Deal policies without advocating for more radical change.
What does the phrase "as American as Walt Disney" imply in this context?
It suggests that despite political controversies, the project and its storytelling methods were deeply rooted in American culture and democratic ideals.
- Quote paper
- Seda Deperlioglu (Author), 2020, A Comparative Analysis of Americanness in the Play "One-Third of a Nation", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1151404
