Final answer:
The 'man on the stage' metaphorically represents the different roles we play in life as posited by Erving Goffman's theory of dramaturgy, which describes how individuals engage in impression management to shape how they are perceived in varying social situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of the “man on the stage” refers to the roles we play in different social contexts, known as role performance. Sociologist Erving Goffman introduced the idea of dramaturgy, positing that individuals manage their impressions to shape how they are perceived by others. Each situation we encounter is seen as a new scene, where we adapt our behavior and actions according to the social setting and the audience present, whether it be co-workers, grandparents, or a blind date.
Theatre and performance have long been metaphors for this aspect of social interaction, where people use impression management like actors using a persona to engage with their audience. In real life, our persona includes our appearance, mannerisms, and body language, which can vary greatly depending on our audience and the roles we choose or are compelled to play.
As evident in the art of theatre, audience engagement is crucial, and performers work to create a believable world, albeit a temporary escape from reality. Similarly, in social settings, our performances continue as we interact with others, and even when we're not conscious of it, we are still performing a part to some extent, echoing the inherent human nature to perform.