Expressionism is a broad term meant to encompass multiple forms of art including visual, literary, dramatic, and filmic arts. It made its appearance first in Germany in the beginning of the 20th century, and then spread across Europe and the US. Expressionist art is charged emotionally. As opposed to the objectivity of realism, in expressionism the subject is distorted and made abstract to convey the subjective reaction of the artist. Like their counterparts in visual arts, expressionist playwrights use abstraction as opposed to realistic style. Dialogue does not mimic conversation, but is fragmented and poetic; content aims at evoking emotional responses, often by invoking sympathy as opposed to creating action for the character. Gesture and movement tend to be mechanical and exaggerated.

​

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Sophie Treadwell calls upon all of these devices in order to make the world of Machinal. The themes of the play are highlighted more than if the play’s style had been realism. The fragmented, poetic language allows the character of Helen to express fear, frustration, and sorrow through monologues, which isolate her from the rest of the action, allowing the audience to better identify with her emotions. Although the world is dreamlike, there is a harrowing realism to the themes and emotions presented, forcing the audience to confront the world expressed on stage in heightened ways.