Question

What is the intended meaning behind Kaufman’s use of understatement in relation to American drama?

Answer 1

British plays from the early twentieth century were full of stiff characters who interacted with one another in a formal manner, no matter the situation. This extremely formal behavior extended across all genres of British theater. American playwrights such as Kaufman parodied this stiff, unnatural behavior in their plays. In The Still Alarm, Kaufman creates extremely formal characters who speak calmly and politely despite the panic-inducing situation of being in a hotel that is burning down. The unnatural, strange behavior of these characters is meant to mock the absurdity of the extremely formal British theater.

Step-by-step explanation:

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Answer 2

The intented meaning behind Kaufman's use of understatement in relation to American drama is to show how the British act in serious situations. He is simply making fun of them and the way they behave. Kaufman is parodying British manners through the unconcerned characters.