Who Is Not Sylvia?

A Character Analysis of Stevie from Edward Albee's The Goat, or, Who Is Sylvia?

Abstract

Edward Albee’s tri-titled play the Goat, or, Who Is Sylvia? (Notes toward a Definition of Tragedy), winner of the 2002 Tony Award for Best Play, is a theatrical gem packed with the birthday motif, the theme of arrival (in this case represented by a denouncing letter), the challenging of the great ‘old times” motif with their great “old promises of happiness and fulfilment.” In this play the author questions the “old” fundamentals of civilization, according to which people could coexist with one another, provided they knew how to masterfully hide their ugly deeds. In return, although in a very shocking manner, the American playwright recommends we start reconsidering or rewriting the way we conceive of our lives so that it may be more flexible to our inflexible human nature. Therefore, Sylvia is everybody’s goat, a metaphorical gate which our wildest desires may penetrate, potentially dissolving, or at least diminishing, the ravaging effects of our gregarious, unhealthy regimented selves.