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__The Life and Times of Tulsa Lovechild__ and __The Vietnamization of New Jersey__ share many stylistic qualities while tackling similar societal issues. While providing the audience with abundant opportunities to laugh and enjoy oneself, these works also speak to the heart of American culture.

Both of these works deal heavily with the America that was present in the 1960s and 70s. The war in Vietnam was also a crucial part of each work, this being evident just by reading the title of __The Vietnamization of New Jersey__. In Durang’s work, the war has disrupted the family equilibrium as the eldest son David has been deployed. It cripples the family even further when David returns from the war blind. His absence seems to have upset the balance of the entire family. In Owens’ work, Tulsa has also experienced pain from the war. Her father was killed while fighting in Vietnam, and she is now left with a stepfather that she does not understand or particularly like. Both playwrights seem to share a view of the war in Vietnam that is somewhat less than favorable.

Both playwrights also chose to employ farce comedy into these works, making them more entertaining and light-hearted. Farce comedy is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “a light dramatic composition marked by broadly satirical comedy and improbable plot”. This type of comedy is widely evident in both plays, being embraced by characters such as Ed Caribou and his ridiculous transition from child actor to wayfaring vagabond, or by Et and Liat as they make-out behind the couch in __The Vietnamization of New Jersey__. The infusion of comedy into both of these works makes it easier for us as an audience to explore some topics that are just plain hard to deal with.

In __The Life and Times of Tulsa Lovechild__, playwright Greg Owens approaches the American concept of family and how those familial ties affect the people consumed by them. Owens approaches this topic in a very intriguing way through the introduction of a ghost-like figure of Tulsa’s mother. This figure serves as a source of wisdom and guidance for Tulsa on her journey. Owens clearly highlights the importance that parents hold in the lives of their children. The role of parents as mentors and guides for their children through the struggles of life is an integral part of the maturation of children. Owens also portrays the strained relationship that exists between Tulsa and her stepfather. While portraying the importance of Tulsa’s mother, Owens seems to discredit the role of Tulsa’s stepfather in her life. Tulsa’s mother has a clear and definable impact on Tulsa’s behavior. Even in her most troubling moments, Tulsa’s mother provides hope and affirmation for Tulsa. She empowers Tulsa and encourages her to dream bigger, to become more. The presence of her stepfather appears to bring forth certain emotions and actions on the part of Tulsa that are much less endearing. In her dealings with him, Tulsa is impatient, angry, condescending, and crude. As one parent seems to reinforce positive behavior, the other seems to bring forth Tulsa’s unfavorable side. It is interesting to note the different behaviors and feelings that each parent brings to the forefront of Tulsa’s character.

Similarly to Owens, Christopher Durang also comments on the American family in his work __The Vietnamization of New Jersey__. In this work, the last thing the audience wants is to be anything like this fictitious family. The audience encounters a dysfunctional, absurd, and uncomfortable family. Durang clearly comments on the absurdity that many times characterizes the American family. An absent-minded father, a rebellious son, and a disheartened mother are only the tip of the iceberg in this painfully uncomfortable family situation. Durang most certainly makes the audience question their own lives as he forces an uncomfortable American stereotype on America’s people.

Along with Owens, Durang also comments on the effects of families on the behavior of their children. Of the two children, Et is the one most prevalent in the story. Et is a dysfunctional, disobedient, and unruly son who does whatever he wants with no regards to the instruction of his mother and father. The absent-minded Harry seems to not care what Et does, while Ozzie Ann chastises the both of them and encourages them to get their act together. In the end, Hazel appears to do the majority of instructing and reprimanding within the household. Et does seem to respond to Larry, the brother of the deceased Harry, at the end of the play. Larry is a crude, egotistical, assailing individual who we, as an audience, immediately have distaste for. Interestingly enough, Et is drawn to this character.

While commenting on many of the same aspects of American family, Durang and Owens share many overlapping views. Both touch on the role of the father in the family, most notably the lack of a true father figure. This lack of a strong-willed yet tender father leads to emotional and behavioral issues for children in both works. They also both point to the need for parents to serve as a guiding force in the lives of their children. The lack of that source in __The Vietnamization of New Jersey__ results in Et, the son that no-one wants to have. Contrastingly, the presence of this figure in __The Life and Times of Tulsa Lovechild__ seems to be just about the only thing that keeps Tulsa sane. The playwrights also have some dissimilarity in their approaches, the most notable of these being Durang’s commentary on the dysfunctional American family. Owens focus is more directly focused on Tulsa and her experiences, whereas Durang inspects the family unit as a whole.

As one can see, both of these works are phenomenal pieces that speak to important topics in American society while also providing their audiences with opportunities for laughter. While sharing many similarities, these works also have their own unique styles and approaches. There is no doubt that valuable insights into culture and the American way of life can be gleaned from each of these works.