Abstract

The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh and 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane are psychological plays that deal with the relationship between Art, Death and Morbidity. Death is an artistic solution to put an end to the morbidity of attitude caused by toxic relationships, social conventions, and totalitarian institutions. Death, may it take form of suicide or murder, is presented as a Saviour to escape the torture, suffering, depression and tyranny. Art is the creative realm of death, a defensive tool or a protective shield against the repressed uneasy traumatic memories that causes extreme unpleasure. The objective of the paper is to explore the artistic portrayal of death as a refuge from morbidity addressing the research questions 1) How do 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane and The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh suggest death as an escape from psychosis and life of suffering? 2) How does art become a source of realization of Death drive taking form of murder or suicide?

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