Horvath Studies- Close Readings of Six Plays (1926-1931)

This study of the first six plays by Ödön von Horváth traces fundamental stylistic, structural and dramaturgical patterns in their chronological development. Close attention to the details of language, staging, imagery, and character treatment reveals the extent to which Horváth's seemingly casual style conceals a highly sophisticated and subtle technique. The book concludes with a discussion of whether the very subtlety of the plays may not hinder the realization of Horváth's didactic intentions.