Answer:
Yes, you can certainly write a five-chapter thesis on the application of Judith Butler's key concepts to Martin Crimp's plays "The Treatment," "Attempts on Her Life," and "The City." Below is a suggested arrangement for your thesis, along with a brief description of what each chapter could cover:
Chapter 1: Introduction
- Overview of the Thesis: Introduce the main themes of your thesis, including the significance of Butler's theories in contemporary performance studies.
- Contextual Background: Provide a brief overview of Judith Butler's key concepts, such as gender performativity, interpellation, and gender subversive acts.
- Introduction to Martin Crimp: Offer a brief biography of Martin Crimp and an overview of the three plays you will analyze.
- Thesis Statement: Clearly state your argument and the objectives of your research.
Chapter 2: Gender Performativity in Crimp's Plays
- Definition and Explanation: Discuss Butler's concept of gender performativity and how it relates to identity formation.
- Analysis of "The Treatment": Explore how characters in "The Treatment" perform gender roles and how these performances reveal societal norms.
- Analysis of "Attempts on Her Life": Examine the fluidity of gender identity in this play and how it challenges traditional notions of gender.
- Analysis of "The City": Investigate how the characters' interactions and dialogues reflect performative aspects of gender.
Chapter 3: Interpellation and Identity Formation
- Definition and Explanation: Explain the concept of interpellation and its relevance to identity and subjectivity.
- Interpellation in "The Treatment": Analyze how characters are interpellated by societal expectations and how this affects their identities.
- Interpellation in "Attempts on Her Life": Discuss how the fragmented narratives and multiple identities challenge the notion of a singular self.
- Interpellation in "The City": Explore how the urban setting serves as a site of interpellation and identity negotiation.
Chapter 4: Gender Subversive Acts
- Definition and Explanation: Define gender subversive acts and their role in challenging normative gender constructs.
- Subversive Acts in "The Treatment": Identify moments in the play where characters subvert traditional gender roles.
- Subversive Acts in "Attempts on Her Life": Analyze how the play's structure and content disrupt conventional narratives around gender.
- Subversive Acts in "The City": Discuss how the characters' actions and dialogues serve as acts of resistance against gender norms.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Implications
- Summary of Findings: Recap the main arguments and insights from each chapter.
- Implications for Performance Studies: Discuss the broader implications of your findings for the study of gender in contemporary theatre.
- Future Research Directions: Suggest areas for further research that could build on your work, such as exploring other playwrights or different theoretical frameworks.
Additional Considerations:
- Methodology: Consider including a section in the introduction or methodology chapter that outlines your analytical approach and how you will apply Butler's concepts to the texts.
- Literature Review: You may also want to include a literature review that discusses existing scholarship on Butler's theories and Crimp's works.
This structure should provide a comprehensive framework for your thesis, allowing you to explore the intersection of Butler's theories and Crimp's plays in depth. Good luck with your writing!