In order to effectively display some discontent with society, an author must have the ability to illustrate the specific flaws that exist within that society dominant. In What the Butler Saw, Joe Orton does an excellent job of illustrating how the abuse of authority can have a subversive effect on an individual's personality. Throughout the play, Orton uses authority as a tool to illustrate how it has the ability to alter a patient's personality and induce madness through psychiatric practice. Regarding Sam Shepard's True West, Shepard is able to illustrate the exchange of personality traits between two brothers. Comparatively, it is obvious that both authors are indeed displaying their dissatisfaction with the dominant society. However, Joe Orton is more effective in displaying his discontent because his play illustrates a greater degree of personality changes between the characters. Essentially, both plays exhibit traits that do not belong to mainstream society. These traits include personality swapping between characters and identity confusion. However, each of these traits is motivated by a social catalyst introduced by the authors to illustrate the evolution of the characters involved. In What the Butler Saw, Joe Orton places a strong emphasis on authority and how it plays into character development. The perception of abused authority is at the heart of his game since it gives him the opportunity to illustrate the influence it exercises on the characters and the level of madness it causes. Taking place in a psychiatric clinic, Orton is able to subject each character to different tests of authority and allow readers to observe the effect this has on them. In Orton's society, psychiatrists are seen as possessing an absolute...... middle of paper...... him hoping to become more conventional. As a result, Lee quickly tries to adopt his new identity as a screenwriter: “I’m a screenwriter now! I am legitimate” (37). However, Austin's sense of identity is lost when Saul chooses Lee's storyline instead. Austin is now forced to decide whether he wants to establish a new identity or adopt his brother's carefree outlook on life. Shepard shows his dissatisfaction with mainstream society by demonstrating that things are often not what they seem. In our society, reality can be complex and elusive. In conclusion, the two authors propose effective ways to display their dissatisfaction with the dominant society. However, Joe Orton manages to more effectively illustrate his discontent by introducing more societal flaws that go against the prevailing understanding. Essentially, both authors propose themes that criticize societal conventions..