52 pages • 1 hour read
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72
Play • Fiction
Montana And California • 1980s
•
Family•
Nation1985
Adult
18+ years
A Lie of the Mind by Sam Shepard centers on the tumultuous and interwoven lives of two families linked by the marriage of Jake and Beth, exploring themes of familial rivalry, trauma, and the complexities of love and memory. Women frequently encounter societal victimhood, and characters struggle to make significant emotional connections amid a backdrop of abandonment and violence.
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Gritty
Melancholic
1,281 ratings
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Sam Shepard's A Lie Of The Mind is lauded for its powerful and raw depiction of dysfunctional family dynamics and psychological depth. Critics appreciate Shepard's complex characters and intense dialogue, though some find the narrative's nonlinear structure challenging. The play is recognized for its emotional intensity and provocative exploration of identity and delusion.
A reader captivated by intense family dynamics, psychological depths, and American existentialism will relish Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind. Fans of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire or Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman will appreciate Shepard's raw portrayal of flawed relationships and personal struggles.
1,281 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Frankie
Jake's brother and foil, Frankie is rational and reasonable, striving to aid Jake and Beth, though his efforts are hindered by family dynamics. He differs from the other male characters in his non-violent approach.
Beth
An actress and central figure who survives significant challenges, she is Jake's wife. Her journey involves a gradual process of self-realization and independence.
Mike
Beth's brother, competitive and anxious, he feels overshadowed by his father Baylor and struggles to find his place within the family dynamic. His actions highlight his need to establish a sense of authority.
Lorraine
Mother to Jake, Frankie, and Sally, Lorraine grapples with redefining her role within the family after her husband's absence. She desires control but faces resistance from her children.
Sally
Lorraine's daughter and sister to Jake and Frankie, Sally provides insight into family dynamics through her observations. She struggles with a lack of direction and is influenced by her mother.
Baylor
Beth and Mike's father, Baylor embodies an older version of American masculinity, emphasizing traditional roles such as hunting and farming. He is often detached from his family's present issues.
Meg
Beth and Mike's mother and Baylor's wife, Meg struggles with self-identity within a structured family environment. She often defers to Baylor but shows moments of potential independence.
72
Play • Fiction
Montana And California • 1980s
•
Family•
Nation1985
Adult
18+ years
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