Realism vs. Nonrealism
"The play is memory. Being a memory play, iris dimly lighted, it is sentimental, it is not realistic. In memory everything seems to happen to music. That explains the fiddle in the wings. I am the narrator of the play, and also a character in it." (1236)
One of the major themes of this play is realism vs nonrealism. The quote above is a perfect example of nonrealism. Tom is the narrator and a character in the play and he is telling this story from memory. Memory is nonrealistic because some details are omitted and others exaggerated. At some points, Tom addresses the audience and explains what is happening or about to happen, which is nonrealistic. There is also a time when Tom asks for more light on Amanda. Some other parts of the play, such as the imaginary fourth wall are necessary nonrealistic elements of the play.
The play also contains realism which is apparent in the characters' interactions with one another. The way the characters talk is realistic because they do not always talk in full sentences. The way Tom portrays his family is also realistic because he does not make them seem like a perfect family, instead he describes his family life the way it really was.
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