Freed's exploration of the theme of dysfunction is often compared to that of Shepard. However, the main distinction is that of tone: while Shepard's play is dark and somber, Freed's text is a dark, ironical comedy which ironically sketches the tensioned relationships between the members of a reunited family and their inability to communicate. The relationship between Noah and Seth is especially strained, as Seth seems to force himself into a manly attitude precisely in the attempt to face his father and maybe even compete with him. As the only male child in the family, Seth's relationship with his father is obviously strained. Instead of incest, the cause of dysfunction here seems to be abandonment. The children are left with their father when the mother abandons the family, thus creating even more tension between Seth and his father as the only two males in the family. Moreover, the other children are jealous of this relationship as it seems to capture all of Noah's attention. The play, unlike Buried Child, seems to have a more optimistic resolution: Noah finally acknowledges Lori and...
This is significant because things seem to evolve towards a relatively balanced state, in which denial finally ends.
The two plays thus tackle important issues of dysfunction in modern families. Thus, the incest and abandonment are the main roots of dysfunction, although the actual causes are deeper and more complex. Thus, the family is pictured as a closed cell in which grave alterations may take place. Some of these alterations are inevitable because of the tension that always intervenes between the members of a family. When the roles in the family are corrupted, deep-set mutations may occur. Thus, the way in which the members of the families interact is the main cause of psychological conflict. Dysfunction can occur in the families in many surreptitious ways, each time that the slightest alteration is produced in the basic roles that each of the member has.
Works Cited
Freed, Amy. Freedomland. New York: Dramatist's Service Plays, 1999.
Shepard, Sam. Buried Child, New York: Dramatist's Play Service, 1997.
