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Thesis
SHADOW OF THE CLOWN
University of West Florida
Master of Arts (MA), University of West Florida
2013
Abstract
In the first three chapters of Shadow of the Clown, the use of exposition vitalizes a fictional reality for the historical Joey Grimaldi. Early on, his clown persona is molded by an abusive father. As he moves from toddler to boyhood to manhood on the stage, garish make up hides his bleak world behind a somber mask and helps create the comic mask. The historical theatre offers background shading for the fictional world as he diligently molds his craft into a delightfully energetic and desirable mode of performance, in spite of the degrading dialogue and cruel exploitation of his father. Impressions of this world are presented to the reader, not by telling but by showing, in a chronological order, fragmented moments of his antics on and off stage. Therefore, Joey's fictional history reaches an aggrandized visualization that differentiates from his role in factual history. However, without fictionalizing his reality, the cruelties that help carve the mask lack coherent conflict. And the theme of death contains no mystery. Expository elements, performing like a tantalizing prophesy, help prepare the reader for Joey's tumultuous relationship with Mary Shelley.
Details
- Title
- SHADOW OF THE CLOWN
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Publisher
- University of West Florida
- Format
- text
- Identifiers
- 99380090728806600
- Academic Unit
- English
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Arts (MA)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), University of West Florida