Analysis of Clifford Odets’ Waiting for Lefty as a Social Play

Social significance in the plays of Clifford Odets needs analysis from a societal point of view. Having consistently shown profound respect for humanity and understanding of human dignity, Clifford Odets' basic concerns rested with social issues, for he viewed his obligation as a writer as being more social than artistic. His works attached greater importance to the philosophy propounded by him than to the art of presentation. For him, it is not the presentation but the thought content that matters. He was wedded to the Leftist School of Philosophy. His plays were an opening of a new chapter in history. He had a mission to fulfil. It was through the magic of his social plays that he brought a sea change in the thought process of the masses. He made his plays a media to promote socialistic philosophy by smashing barricades between the rich and the poor. He became the sheet anchor of the proletarians. His works represent all major trends, movements and ideologies of his time.
Odets was aflame with indignation at the plight of men who had lost their self respect and self confidence. He transformed this indignation into a sound dramatic presentation through his works. He portrayed audience's hunger for constructive social action and gave vent to their feelings.