The uses and inadequacy of language in the theatre of Genet, Beckett and Ionesco : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in French at Massey University

Some French (language) throughoutThis study is an attempt to show the changing role of language in the theatre as exemplified in the works of Genet, Ionesco and Beckett. The introductory section deals with the topic of language itself, both in the theatre and in everyday life. Language in the theatre can be considered from two aspects: firstly, visual communication which includes the decor, the gestures of the actors, mime and facial expressions; and secondly, aural communication which includes the dialogue, silence for a purpose, and music. Because of the impact of such media as television and cinema, the importance of the word is diminished and this is reflected in modern drama. Genet is dissatisfied with the tradition of Western theatre and he has tried to arouse a feeling of awe in his audiences. His plays are all based around rituals, not of a religious kind, but rituals which glorify evil and end in death. His language therefore is at once exalted and incantatory, and he relies on the visual impact of his plays to a large extent. Lighting, decor and makeup are important. Because many of Genet's characters are acting in plays within plays to create a conflict between illusion and reality, the language used by one character may vary greatly. In the works of Ionesco, language becomes a theatrical object of mockery. To him, everyday language is often an inadequate means of communication and he symbolises this by ending most of his plays with an illustration of the defeat of language. This is done by showing rational arguments failing to convince, or by the complete breakdown of language into sounds or meaningless syllables. In Ionesco's plays, language is often overcome by the proliferation of matter on stage – mushrooms, chairs, cups and furniture multiply and stifle. He mocks empty social chatter by twisting common platitudes or by using well-known expressions out of context. In contrast to Ionesco, Beckett's stage is almost empty, but, like him, he distrusts language as a vehicle of communication. His characters are all afraid of the implications of silence and therefore talk to keep their thoughts at bay. The talking is rarely an attempt to impart information, or even to communicate. Even when two characters are present on stage, the conversation resembles two parallel monologues. With each successive play, Beckett has shown an increasing preoccupation with the monologue, and several of his characters are placed in situations which make monologues possible. Beckett's plays are becoming shorter and shorter and his last pieces are conducted in silence. Beckett finally relies entirely on the visual element to communicate with his audience. Thus we have three men, with three very different solutions to the problem of language. This thesis explores the different methods used by those dramatists to communicate with the audience. In most cases, language alone is not adequate

Writing in Britain and Ireland, c. 400 to c. 800

No abstract available

Old English macian, Its Origin and Dissemination

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66612/2/10.1177_007542428601900105.pd

Medical treatment of prolactinomas.

Prolactinomas, the most prevalent type of neuroendocrine disease, account for approximately 40% of all pituitary adenomas. The most important clinical problems associated with prolactinomas are hypogonadism, infertility and hyposexuality. In patients with macroprolactinomas, mass effects, including visual field defects, headaches and neurological disturbances, can also occur. The objectives of therapy are normalization of prolactin levels, to restore eugonadism, and reduction of tumor mass, both of which can be achieved in the majority of patients by treatment with dopamine agonists. Given their association with minimal morbidity, these drugs currently represent the mainstay of treatment for prolactinomas. Novel data indicate that these agents can be successfully withdrawn in a subset of patients after normalization of prolactin levels and tumor disappearance, which suggests the possibility that medical therapy may not be required throughout life. Nevertheless, multimodal therapy that involves surgery, radiotherapy or both may be necessary in some cases, such as patients who are resistant to the effects of dopamine agonists or for those with atypical prolactinomas. This Review reports on efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy in patients with prolactinomas

Advances in the treatment of prolactinomas

Prolactinomas account for approximately 40% of all pituitary adenomas and are an important cause of hypogonadism and infertility. The ultimate goal of therapy for prolactinomas is restoration or achievement of eugonadism through the normalization of hyperprolactinemia and control of tumor mass. Medical therapy with dopamine agonists is highly effective in the majority of cases and represents the mainstay of therapy. Recent data indicating successful withdrawal of these agents in a subset of patients challenge the previously held concept that medical therapy is a lifelong requirement. Complicated situations, such as those encountered in resistance to dopamine agonists, pregnancy, and giant or malignant prolactinomas, may require multimodal therapy involving surgery, radiotherapy, or both. Progress in elucidating the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of prolactinomas may enable future development of novel molecular therapies for treatment-resistant cases. This review provides a critical analysis of the efficacy and safety of the various modes of therapy available for the treatment of patients with prolactinomas with an emphasis on challenging situations, a discussion of the data regarding withdrawal of medical therapy, and a foreshadowing of novel approaches to therapy that may become available in the future

Creating and curating an archive: Bury St Edmunds and its Anglo-Saxon past

This contribution explores the mechanisms by which the Benedictine foundation of Bury St Edmunds sought to legitimise and preserve their spurious pre-Conquest privileges and holdings throughout the Middle Ages. The archive is extraordinary in terms of the large number of surviving registers and cartularies which contain copies of Anglo-Saxon charters, many of which are wholly or partly in Old English. The essay charts the changing use to which these ancient documents were put in response to threats to the foundation's continued enjoyment of its liberties. The focus throughout the essay is to demonstrate how pragmatic considerations at every stage affects the development of the archive and the ways in which these linguistically challenging texts were presented, re-presented, and represented during the Abbey’s history