An Existential Approach of
OUR TOWN and SEASCAPE
-Focused on Jaspers'' Theory-

Kwak, Jin-A

Department of English Language and Literature
Graduate School, Kangwon National University

Abstract

In this study I attempt to examine Karl Jaspers'' existential concept of boundary situation and communication, seeking to provide a better understanding of human existence from two influential American plays Our Town and Seascape. Jaspers acknowledges that death is a constant possibility in existence, which can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. For him, death is the ultimate boundary situation which indicates the end of one''s being-in-the-world. One understands that facing up to the boundary situation of death implies accepting, and enduring extreme situations. If death is understood existentially, then it becomes clear that death is not simply a biological ending that annihilates a life process. This approach to death places great emphasis upon this world, in that human existence is closely connected with one’s choices, decisions, and fulfillment in the world. Jaspers argues that the awareness of our finitude gives us the possibility to shape our lives and heighten the meaning of our existence.
Jaspers considers existential communication to be one of the fundamental aspects of human existence. Jaspers insists that in existential communication philosophising helps to establish the bond of communication with others in the attainment of authentic selfhood.
This thesis is divided into two parts: the first part deals with Thornton Wilder''s Our Town. He draws on simple life in Grover''s Corners and the priceless value of life. In Act Ⅲ Emily undergoes boundary situation with childbirth. And she has to chance to experience the lives of the past. Emily is the only one that fully realizes the paradoxical finding and losing her self. Most of the living people fail to realize all of life potential. In addition, Wilder insists that communication we devoted to thinking about the people in our lives and communication helps to strengthen human''s relationships. People are conscious of existence with communication to others.
In the second part, I examine Edward Albee''s Seascape. In Seascape, Albee explores life and death with two humans and two lizards. A middle-aged couple, Charlie and Nancy, both know that they would surely die soon. But they are pretty different to take a view on life. Only Nancy has a positive attitude about life. She is very conscious of the finitude of our lives, so she realizes that a life is very important. Namely, dealing with death has the potential for improving the quality of life. Boundary situation provides an opportunity for meaningful life to Nancy. Albee also deals with importance of communication. The lizards have learned about their mortality and love while communicating with Charlie and Nancy. Unlike the lizard, Charlie is constantly aware of his morality through the conversation with the lizards. They all really appreciate their recognition of an existence through the conversation between a middle-aged couple and the lizards.
Wilder and Albee indicate that death is the finitude of our lives. They handle the importance of the value of our lives and that of communication with other people in their works. Also they signify that communication with someone is the opportunity to maturate.
Therefore, these two playwrights demonstrate Jaspers'' existential concepts of boundary situation and communication in order to deliver significant messages of each play to the readers and audience.