In this penetrating study Andrew Kennedy sets out to analyse the modern movement in drama through the theatrical language of six key figures writing in English - Shaw, Eliot, Beckett, Pinter, Osborne and Arden. Dr Kennedy argues that a study of theatrical language should be an exercise in 'practical criticism' and not merely narrowly linguistic. The whole range of theatrical expressiveness must be examined in detail from play text and performance alike and the conclusions correlated with the author's known intentions if a full evaluative judgement is to be attempted. Dr Kennedy shows how the modern movement in drama reveals a growing difficulty in creating any type of fully expressive dramatic language. He has written a work with an unusual breadth of reference, which should prove of value to all students of modern drama, modern English and European literature and to the theatre-going public.

A comprehensive study of the different shapes and conventions of dialogue in major drama from Aeschylus to modern times. Following a sustained discussion of the special nature of dramatic dialogue the author singles out for detailed study the duologue of personal encounter between protagonists. The historical perspective is illustrated by close analysis of certain passages from Greek tragedy, Shakespeare, Jonson, Restoration Comedy, Ibsen, Strindberg, Brecht, O'Neill, Albee, Shepard, Beckett, Pinter and Stoppard. The duologues have been grouped so as to illuminate both the type of dramatic situation embodied, e.g. recognition, confession, the combat of wit, and the verbal style employed, from Greek stichomythis to the slangy contest of American rock stars. Andrew Kennedy presents the language and convention of each duologue as part of the play's total sign system. The critical approach integrates the formal and existential aspects of drama and theatre, showing both the emotional transformations and the changing modes of expression made possible in and through dialogue.