Shepard Meets Shakespeare to Speak about "Authenticity": A Comparative Encounter in the "Presence" of Derrida

Abstract

Comparative studies reveal the universal nature of human thought. Not only can themes appear as the common trait within two works, but also similitude may disguise itself in characters. In this article, the researcher juxtoposes two brothers form Shakespeareʼs play, King Lear, with two brothers from Sam Shepardʼs True West while drawing on the Derridean concept of "authenticity." As a matter of fact, Derridaʼs concept of "difference" is applied practically; that is, each brother and his counterpart in the other play not only share some similarities but reveal shades of difference as well. Edgar and Edmund are considered in opposition to each other, but Austin and Lee, though seemingly diametric, have streaks of common points, which are reversed at the end of the play. The findings confirm that canonical literary themes can still be considered universal, as a classic play from the seventeenth century by a British writer approximates a dramatic piece from the postmodern era by an American dramaturge. This is of paramount significance since in the Derridean philosophy of literature the universality of literature is questioned. Refuting the "grand narratives" or posing "ideology" in order to indirectly obliterate the difference between literary and literal language, the other postmodern thoughts also adopt the same position.