Maternal Instinct: The Portrayal of Mothers in the Works of William Inge

Abstract

One of the most pervasive characters in the works of William Inge is the role of the mother. She is a strong presence in two of his major works; Picnic and The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, is the central character in his roman a clef novel My Son is a Splendid Driver, and appears in several his short works, most notably in The Boy in the Basement. The apron strings were an unbreakable bond in his life, and they are an unmistakable presence on stage in his plays.

This paper will offer an introduction to an examination of Inge’s portrayal of the mother figure, not only as an actual person but as a foundation for other characters in his works, including Lola in Come Back, Little Sheba, and Grace in Bus Stop. In comparison to other playwrights of his time who also brought the family on stage, William Inge’s portrayal of the mother, motherhood, and the impact on the lives of their family is a key element in understanding his place in 20th century American theatre.