This paper examines how Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx and Michel Foucault are three of the most important philosophical minds
to
influence the 20th century and how their influence on the arts has been particularly significant. It evaluates this influence, as well as comparing and contrasting each of their views on art (specifically theatre) in the 20th century, by the analysis of three
different plays. The plays are "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde, "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller and "Polaroid Stories" by Naomi Iizuka. It shows how all three plays from different times are very different both thematically and in form and how by viewing these three works through the eyes of Foucault, Marx, and Freud it becomes possible to see the specific differences in their doctrines.