A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DRAMATIC TECHNIQUES IN AMERICAN NOVELS: THE WORKS OF FAULKNER, STEINBECK, AND OTHERS
Abstract
This research paper examines the role of dramatic techniques in American novels, particularly focusing on how authors like William Faulkner, John Steinbeck, and others use elements such as dialogue, characterization, setting, and conflict to enhance storytelling and deepen emotional engagement. By employing a comparative approach, this study analyzes how dramatic elements contribute to the thematic and narrative depth in their works. Faulkner’s stream-of-consciousness and fragmented narrative in As I Lay Dying are compared with Steinbeck’s naturalistic dialogue and character-driven plot development in The Grapes of Wrath, alongside the influence of theater on novelistic structures. Key findings include that Faulkner’s use of psychological monologues mirrors theatrical soliloquies, providing immediate access to characters' inner turmoil and emotional fragmentation. In contrast, Steinbeck’s naturalistic dialogue fosters a sense of realism, drawing readers into the social struggles of characters like the Joad family. The symbolic use of setting in both novels functions similarly to a theatrical stage, amplifying the emotional and social tensions experienced by the characters. Both authors, though stylistically different, utilize dramatic conflict and character development to engage readers emotionally and thematically. The study concludes that dramatic techniques play a pivotal role in shaping modern American literature by enhancing its emotional intensity and thematic depth. Future research may focus on postmodern authors or further investigate the evolution of dramatic techniques in contemporary novels, particularly through the lens of symbolism and soliloquies.
How to Cite
Sunil Kumar, Suman Devi, "A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DRAMATIC TECHNIQUES IN AMERICAN NOVELS: THE WORKS OF FAULKNER, STEINBECK, AND OTHERS", Vol. 3, Issue 12, 28-03-2026, pp. 83-110.
