Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
23(23%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
42(42%)
2 stars
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1 stars
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99 reviews
July 15,2025
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It leaves a creamy taste in a person's mouth. Still, you like it. The absurdity sometimes tires me. But the interesting thing about it is that I'm sure I'll remember some of the images in the game years from now. When one of the characters puts his hand in the other's mouth or brings a carrot from the empty garden, Sam Shepard wasn't calculating this, but it was definitely memorable :).

The points where I compared it to Brecht and Beckett pleased me.

This experience is truly unique. It has its own charm and allure. Despite the moments of absurdity that might cause a bit of weariness, the overall impression it leaves is profound. The vivid images and unexpected actions in the game stay in your mind, making it a memorable encounter.

The comparison to Brecht and Beckett adds another layer of depth and interest. It shows that there are elements within this that can be related to the works of these great playwrights, further enhancing its artistic value.

In conclusion, while it may have its quirks, it is an experience that is well worth having and one that will likely be remembered for a long time to come.
July 15,2025
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In the first glance, it is expected that the works of Beckett, especially in "Waiting for Godot", would have an impact. I had not read anything by this author before and I don't know whether he gets inspiration from Beckett's works or not. But the difference of Shepard is that there are more distinct characters in "The Tooth of Crime". And the plot, which perhaps may not be very important for the author.

"The Tooth of Crime" tries to challenge the understanding, that is, how far and strange a family can be from each other. In my opinion, this work is a highly symbolic one that should be studied and the author's thoughts should be explored in depth, of course, if the author has in-depth beliefs. The interesting point about the family members is that each of them has problems. The father is addicted to drugs, the mother is addicted to prostitution, one son suffers from a physical disability, and the other has mental problems. And the whole family also suffers from a common fundamental problem, that is, hiding a bad memory until a few moments before the father's death in the family, when he reveals it to a stranger.

July 15,2025
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I finished reading this a few days ago. However, I put off reading it until I had time to let myself process it.

I should point out that this was my first experience reading one of Sam Shepard's plays. But I am certain that it won't be my last.

The play is beautifully written and has great emotional resonance. It tells the story of a dysfunctional family that is torn asunder by a long-buried secret.

Maybe it says more about me and my own baggage than the play itself. But this one really hit a nerve for me. It is twisted, absurd, and raw.

And most importantly, it rang true. It made me think about the hidden secrets and dysfunctions that exist within many families.

Shepard's writing is so powerful that it draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they are a part of the story.

I can't wait to read more of his works and see what other emotions and thoughts they will evoke in me.
July 15,2025
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I truly desired to relish this experience to a greater extent than I actually did.

Yet, I am of the opinion that I am not yet proficient enough in the realm of plays to fully comprehend everything that there was to be grasped.

The story had some extremely dramatic twists and turns, which were quite engaging. However, there was also a significant amount of repetitive speech, which at times made it a bit tiresome. Additionally, the symbolism employed was somewhat inelegant.

Nonetheless, I take pride in myself for adhering to my commitment to explore and read from other literary forms. And I am determined to continue nurturing my profound affection, or perhaps it could even be called a crush, for Sam Shepard.

I firmly believe that with more exposure and study, my understanding and appreciation of his works will only deepen.
July 15,2025
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I vividly remembered how much I loved reading this play during my youthful days.

However, this time around, I simply couldn't bring myself to believe the dialogue.

I am well aware that it has essentially become a classic of American Theatre, and many people hold it in high regard.

Nevertheless, for some reason, it just seems strained and artificial to me.

Perhaps my perspective has changed over the years, or maybe I am now more critical of the language and characterizations.

Whatever the case may be, I find myself unable to fully engage with the play as I once did.

It's a bit disappointing, really, as I had such fond memories of it from my past.

But sometimes, as we grow and evolve, our tastes and opinions also change.

And that's just the way it is with this particular play for me.
July 15,2025
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Brutally honest and disturbing,

yet beautiful and poetic in its ugliness, just as Shepard always is.

Secrets and cruelty fester and slowly destroy us.

Nowhere is this more evident than within the dysfunctional family of 'The Buried Child'.

This is a somewhat bleak play, heavy with meanness and punishment.

However, it also contains enough humour to keep the audience engaged.

Shepard's masterful writing brings to life the complex and troubled relationships within the family.

The characters are vividly drawn, their flaws and insecurities laid bare.

As the story unfolds, we see the destructive power of secrets and the toll it takes on their lives.

Despite the darkness, there are glimmers of hope and moments of unexpected tenderness.

'The Buried Child' is a powerful and thought-provoking play that lingers in the mind long after the final curtain falls.
July 15,2025
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I'm truly never certain about how to understand Sam Shepard.

This is the second play of his that I've read, and the surreal circumstances and the inexplicable, provocative, often irrational deeds of his characters render me incapable of discerning the story's point or establishing a connection with any of the characters. The audience or reader has no reason to invest emotionally in Dodge, a cantankerous old man who might potentially be afflicted with dementia (he can't recognize a grown grandson who has only been away from home for six years), aside from the fact that the grandson's own father, Tilden, doesn't recognize him either. Tilden may also be suffering from some sort of mental disability, but this is just my supposition, never verified in the story. The mention of a buried child seems out of place, awkwardly inserted into a conversation Tilden has with Vince's girlfriend, and the reason for this, which is disclosed in the end, is unconvincing, perhaps due to the underdeveloped characters. Dodge's wife Halie spends an excessive amount of time "shouting" or "calling" her lines off-stage, which might be intended to create an effect, but it becomes tiresome as it persists for pages (or minutes in the play). Every character resembles a caricature more than a fully developed individual, most of them sporadically and unrealistically experiencing emotions and opinions, like flighty adolescents rather than adults. I'm amazed that this play won a Pulitzer; while it is engaging, there are numerous flaws in the plot, room for enhancement in the characters, and cliched ploys in the dialogue that Intro to Scriptwriting students would be taught to avoid.
July 15,2025
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For the first time in my life, I laughed out loud while reading a play.

BURIED CHILD surprises with its humor, even as it delves deep into the abyss of human despair. This remarkable work explores the dismal state of a family on the verge of disintegration.

When a young family member decides to return to his childhood home in an attempt to reconnect, the play exposes their hidden underbelly of pain to unforgiving scrutiny.

The juxtaposition of humor and despair creates a unique and powerful reading experience. It makes the audience both laugh and cry, as they witness the family's struggles and the complex web of emotions that bind them.

BURIED CHILD is a masterful exploration of the human condition, and its ability to surprise and engage the reader is truly remarkable.

It forces us to confront the darker aspects of our own lives and relationships, while also offering moments of levity and hope.

This play is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of human nature and the power of theater to move and inspire.
July 15,2025
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Dark, almost sinister.

These words paint a vivid picture in our minds, evoking a sense of mystery and unease. The darkness seems to lurk, waiting to consume all that lies within its reach.

It could be the darkness of a moonless night, where the stars are hidden behind a thick blanket of clouds. Or perhaps it is the darkness of a deep forest, with its twisted branches and unknown creatures lurking in the shadows.

The sinister aspect adds an element of danger and foreboding. It makes us wonder what secrets lie hidden within the darkness, what malevolent forces might be at work.

This combination of dark and sinister creates a powerful atmosphere that can both terrify and fascinate us. It invites us to explore the unknown, to face our fears, and to discover the truth that lies beneath the surface.

Whether in a work of fiction or in our own imaginations, the concept of dark, almost sinister, has the ability to transport us to another world, a world filled with mystery, danger, and adventure.
July 15,2025
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It started out strong but ended in a strange and confusing way.

The description on the back cover claims that the VERY dysfunctional family somehow has a slim possibility of a new beginning at the end. However, I didn't see it. In fact, it seemed to me that one estranged member was going to be sucked back into the dynamic and continue the pattern of abuse that the family had become accustomed to.

Wikipedia has an excellent write-up on the play that provides some clarity. I suggest reading the play first and then referring to the Wiki entry as it contains numerous spoilers. Nevertheless, it brings up some of the major symbolic issues that Shepard was presenting, which offers a great deal more illumination.

I couldn't help but think that Bruce Dern would be outstanding in the role of Dodge. His acting skills and presence would add a new dimension to the character and bring the play to life in a whole new way. It would be interesting to see how he would interpret and embody Dodge's complex personality and the challenges he faces within the family.
July 15,2025
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One of the best plays I have ever read is truly a masterpiece.

It vividly presents the slow but unwavering destruction of an American family, which is also a symbol of the fading American dream.

The gloomy and oppressive atmosphere throughout the play really captured my attention from the very beginning.

The sickening family relationships are both disturbing and fascinating, making my curiosity continuously grow.

There is the alcoholic father, lost in his own world of vice.

The adulterous priest, betraying his vows and moral responsibilities.

The changed grandson, influenced by the toxic environment.

And, most significantly, the sick (in every single conceivable way) mother, who seems to be at the center of all the chaos and decay.

I really loved this play with all my heart.

It has the power to either make you look at life with a sense of disgust and disillusionment or, on the contrary, make you cherish and love what you already have.

It forces you to confront the harsh realities of human nature and the fragility of family and dreams.

It is a play that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, leaving a lasting impression on your mind and soul.
July 15,2025
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Allow me to borrow Holden Caulfield's word.

This play is depressing, and I'm not only referring to the story. I truly believe that this play must be far better when it is enacted on the stage. However, simply reading the script has only left me feeling depressed.

An American family has been tormented by a dark secret from their past. This becomes evident when Vince, the grandchild, pays a visit to their house. In my opinion, all the characters are extremely odd. The only exception is Vince's girlfriend Shelly, who seems to serve the purpose of providing a contrast to that dysfunctional family.

Ordinarily, I would eagerly engage in a deeper exploration of what I am assigned to read. But in this particular case, I was continuously bothered by the absurdity of all the members of the family, from the very beginning until the end. It's as if their actions and behaviors were completely脱离现实, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story.

Perhaps if I had the opportunity to witness the play being performed, my perception might change. But based on the script alone, it has failed to capture my interest and has instead left me with a sense of dissatisfaction and unease.
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