Abstract
The aim of this thesis is to provide a detailed textual assessment of Orton's plays, with particular emphasis on his use of dramatic dialogue. Dialogue is Orton's strength; an analysis of his works through an examination of his use of idiomatic speech, together with the dramatic function of such dialogue is therefore an appropriate method. The balance between verbal and non-verbal elements in drama is always vital: in Orton's work, I intend to show that language controls character, action and form. To date the tendency has been to approach Orton's work through specific themes social and sexual or through dramatic genres. My contention is that he used and adapted these deliberately to develop his own concept of the comic in drama. Such an approach will therefore attempt to clarify Orton's humour and what has come to be known as "Ortonesque" in today's critical language. By making language the focus of my study I hope to examine fully the extent of Orton's dramatic achievements and attempt a reasoned assessment of his development as a playwright.