The Portrayal of Women by Male and Female Playwrights

Theatre has been one of the foremost aspects of American Culture. Originating thousands of years ago, theatre immediately captivated its audiences. However, like any other form of entertainment, theatre has an effect on the way that people see the world around them. Thus, it is crucial to be aware of some of the aspects of American theatre that may not be known to its audience. This research will be looking at a large number of plays written over 12 decades. Half of these plays were written by men and the other half were written by women. This study will examine the differences and similarities in how male and female playwrights have portrayed women over time. This is crucial for society to understand as the effect that theatre can have on an audience's mind, even subconsciously, is great.