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Paul Paolucci, Margaret Richardson

Dramaturgy, humor, and criticism: How Goffman reveals Seinfeld's critique of American culture

Keywords: American culture, criticism, dramaturgy, Seinfeld

Both Goffman's dramaturgical paradigm and the humor of the television program Seinfeld often have been interpreted as being non-political and non-critical in intent. In its use of recurring characters, social archetypes, and commentary on societal rules, the program often uses dramaturgical conceptual categories such as impression management, regional behavior, and teams. By bringing a dramaturgical interpretation to Seinfeld, the program's hidden critique of the rules and ethos dominating modern American society is revealed.

Humor - International Journal of Humor Research, Walter de Gruyter

Print ISSN: 0933-1719
Volume: 19, 02/2006
Pages: 27 - 52

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