Drama Essay : Exiles - James Joyce

Running Head: DRAMA ESSAY
Drama Essay
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s Note

DRAMA ESSAY1
Exiles- James Joyce
James Joyce is one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century who
popularized the modernist avant-garde yet the play Exiles is a deviation from the representative
writings. Exiles represent the theme of doubt in the intimate relationship and the inner conflict of
the characters. The battle of the characters to acknowledge their internal dilemma and to accept
the feelings is depicted by Joyce in his dealings of the characters and their intimate relationship.
Exiles are partially autobiographical as the protagonist has also returned from exile with
his wife and Joyce has written the play during his stay in his exile period. The complicated
relationship between the protagonist and his wife Bertha shows the absurd complication in the
society and the absurdity which rises from the incapability to gain clarity on their own feelings
(Joyce). The conflict of the play also shows in Beatrice’s relationship with Robert when they
engage in a ‘passionate kiss’ and yet on questioning whether she loves him or not she turns to an
uncertain answer ‘I like you...you are a good man’. This shows the uncertainty in the
relationship of Robert and Bertha and the marital life and the readers gets the clear picture of
their inner turmoil when Richard leaves Bertha and Robert alone as he did not want to impose
himself between them (Joyce).
The play starts with the foreshadowing imagery of the weather being wet signifying the
uncertain future which will arise in their life. The mention of rain also underlines the sufferings
they will experience in their own relationship.
Hamlet- William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is one of his best work and is representative of his staunch
adherence to Greek dramatist’s instinct for irony. The irony of hope and suffering juxtaposed in