From Individual to Cosmic-self: A Study on Humanism in David Mamet’s ‘The Woods.’

Abstract

David Alan Mamet, a celebrated 20^th century American dramatist, presents a warm relationship between a young couple in ‘The Woods.’ Produced in 1977, ‘The Woods’ (TW) has plenty of sentimental stories.In this highly competitive and materialistic world, humans seem to have lost faith in humane qualities like forgiveness and reconciliation, which are essential to nurture good relationship. The play stresses the significance of reconciliation and reciprocation of love for healthy bonding between men and women.

‘TW’ written in a ‘legato mood’ (Bigsby 1985), is about Ruth and Nick, who go to a cabin in the woods on a short vacation.  Ruth becomes emotional and feels one with nature. She tells Nick about her experiences, from the listening to the chirping of birds to the stories about the Viking women, who kill their own girl babies. She sounds very romantic, but Nick, who wants to fulfill his physical needs, finds her talk very boring and approaches her with sexual desire.  Ruth gets upset because of his brutal behaviour. When she presents him with a bracelet, he rejects it. This provokes Ruth and since Nick continues to be indifferent, she decides to leave the place.  The next day, when she is about to leave, they pick up another quarrel, which settles things and ends in reconciliation.

This paper titled ‘From Individual to Cosmic-self: A study on Humanism in David Mamet’s The Woods’ highlights reconciliation as an important aspect of nourishing a meaningful bon among humans. The paper also studies the importance of the individual self’s transcendence into universal self.