Coming home again
Subtitle: American family drama and the figure of the prodigal
By: Geoffrey S. Proehl.
Publisher: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press; Associated University Presses
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Madison, NJ; London; Cranbury, NJ
Language: eng
Number of pages: 221
Subjects: Domestic drama, American -- History and criticism; Husbands in literature; Brothers in literature; Prodigal son (Parable); Family in literature; Return in literature; Home in literature; Sons in literature
Description: This study focuses on the representation of the family in American drama, in particular, on various uses and conventions of the figure of the prodigal husband or son.

It considers the lineage and function of this figure from the writings of Augustine, medieval iconography, Renaissance prodigal son plays, and temperance melodramas to such contemporary manifestations as television talk shows, the Recovery Movement, and plays by contemporary writers including Spalding Gray, Ntozake Shange, and Cherrie Moraga.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 206-216) and index.