傑西．威廉斯《為什麼結婚？》劇本翻譯及作品分析

Abstract

摘要

傑西．威廉斯於1917年出版的三幕喜劇《為什麼結婚？》，於1918年獲得普立茲戲劇獎，內容主要在探討二十世紀初，美國社會大眾對於婚姻的刻板印象，以及「新時代女性」所賦予婚姻的意義，在新舊觀念的衝突之下，雙方唇槍舌戰，劇作家安排了商人、家庭主婦、科學家、牧師、法官、富二代等等角色在劇本當中，又因為他們彼此是一家人，有剪不斷的血緣關係，彼此的婚姻會影響著其他家庭成員的聲譽和財富，因此他們不得不好好激辯一番，劇中的角色誰都無法置身事外。 傑西．威廉斯在寫作風格上受到蕭伯納很大程度的影響，他採用寫實主義的方式寫作，開啟了美國寫實主義戲劇的新篇章，不同於強調戲劇性，而無教育意義的劇作。 二十世紀初正處於美國第一波女性主義運動期間，女性開始爭取投票權，劇中也提到此事，並表明「新時代女性」所代表的立場，和新時代女性所倡導的新觀念，以及對於婚姻的態度。 「婚姻」在每一個年代、每一種文化之下都會有不同的解釋和詮釋，是一個會被大眾廣泛探討的話題，《為什麼結婚？》聚焦在二十世紀初的美國，當時美國女性意識逐漸抬頭，社會風氣逐漸由保守轉趨開放，劇中除了探討是否要走進婚姻之外，也討論了婚姻這個制度本身是否有存續的必要，或是如何改善它，不同觀點的激盪使我們看到了更多的可能性。

Abstract "Why Marry," a comedy of three acts, written by Jesse Williams and published in 1917, received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1918. This play critically examines early 20th-century American stereotypes about marriage and explores how the "New Woman" concept redefined marriage during this period. The play stages a dynamic debate between traditional and modern views on marriage through its diverse cast of characters, which includes businessmen, housewives, scientists, pastors, judges, and wealthy men, all depicted as members of a single family whose marriages impact each other significantly. In this context, marriage is portrayed as a symbol of wealth and social status, compelling the characters to engage in profound discussions about its implications. Williams, influenced by George Bernard Shaw's works, employed a realist approach in "Why Marry?" This focus on realism marked a departure from the more dramatic plays of the time and signaled a new direction in American drama. The play's realistic portrayal of societal issues contributes to its standing as a milestone in the evolution of American realist theater. Set against the backdrop of the first wave of feminism in the United States—a time when women were beginning to fight for their suffrage—the play resonates with the societal changes of the era. The 'New Woman' in the play serves as a mouthpiece for feminist views and attitudes towards marriage, reflecting the pivotal themes of the period. "Marriage" is a concept that varies in meaning and interpretation across different cultures and historical periods. "Why Marry?" explores these variations in early 20th-century America, a time of significant social transformation. The play not only questions the institution of marriage itself but also considers how it can be improved. Through its multifaceted characters and perspectives, the play invites audiences to contemplate marriage's possibilities and future directions in a changing society.