Destiny in the Theatre of Jean Cocteau

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this study is to examine the theme of destiny in conflict with free will as it is presented in the theatre of Jean Cocteau. The first chapter deals with this theme as it appears in Cocteau's adaptations of Greek myth; the second chapter treats the dramatist!s use of the boulevard tradition in the presentation of this subject in a modern context, and chapter three considers its manifestation in Cocteau's historical plays. In each chapter the central conflict is defined, followed by a discussion of Cocteau's dramatic techniques used in the exposition of this theme.</p>