reasons for each of the brother’s weak identity formation and consider the
backstory about the father. How is each brother subconsciously either rebelling
against or becoming the father figure? How does the father figure—despite
being absent—continue to affect the brothers’ individual identities and rela-
tionship to one another?RESOURCES
Primary Works
Kenneth Chubb, “Metaphors, Mad Dogs and Old-Time Cowboys,” Theatre
Quarterly, 4 (August–October 1974): 3–16; included in Marranca, ed., pp.
187–209.
Interview in which Shepard describes his craft and award-winning plays.
Michiko Kakutani, “Myths, Dreams, Realities—Sam Shepard’s America,” New
York Times, 29 January 1984, pp. B1, B26–B28.
Essay that incorporates parts of an interview with Shepard written just before
the airing of True West on public television’s American Playhouse and during its
run Off-Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theatre. It provides a detailed and concise
overview of his life, work, and critical reception.
Biography
Don Shewey, Sam Shepard (1985; New York: Da Capo, 1997).
Revised and expanded version of a 1985 biography that explores Shepard’s unique
status within theater and popular culture. The discussion of True West points out
the autobiographical elements of the play.
Criticism
Stephen J. Bottoms, The Theatre of Sam Shepard (New York: Cambridge Univer-
sity Press, 1998).
A complete analysis of Shepard’s plays from his early experimental one-acts
through Simpatico (1994), describing his work as a series of crises reflecting
Shepard’s ambivalence toward writing and performance. Bottoms underscores
important motifs and presents Shepard as innovative, influential, and culturally
important. Chapter 6 provides thorough discussions of True West and Fool for
Love.
David J. DeRose, Sam Shepard (New York: Twayne, 1992).
Analyzes Shepard’s use of direction, stage imagery, and language, as well as pro-
viding biographical information. DeRose’s focus on social fragmentation places
the playwright strongly in the context of Postmodernism.
Laura J. Graham, Sam Shepard: Theme, Image, and the Director (New York: Peter
Lang, 1995).
A valuable analysis of the playwright’s work with close attention to influences
and performance.