Masculinity in Pulitzer Prize-winning Plays 1982-2002: a Content Analysis Study

The evolving messages about the masculine role are worth studying and examining in dramatic literature to see through popular documents just how the male role is portrayed. How has the male image changed in dramatic literature in the last half of the twentieth century? For many, the stage is a place to witness characters performed through a clear lens and without discrepancy. The portrayals of men in the specific area of theatre should give sufficient data to gather and make particular conclusions about such portrayals and their place in popular culture. These portrayals in dramatic literature can be used as evidence for social attitudes dealing with a specific topic or subject matter. It is in these portrayals that an audience reads or views, which has an influence upon attitude about the male role. This study examines masculine portrayals in Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatic literature during the period of 1982-2002 for the purpose of determining characterization in presentation.