Abstract

Available from UMI in association with The British Library. ;The aim of this thesis is to examine the relationship between Burke's use of the dramatic metaphor and his political theory. The hypothesis advanced is that drama plays an integral part in Burke's political philosophy, shaping his understanding of the established European system of politics, and of its tragic demise in the diabolical chaos of the French revolution. Through drama, Burke elevates politics into a semi religious form, the statesman becoming an excited actor, holding the centre stage and battling with the forces of adversity. This interpretation of Burke's political theory challenges the views of most, if not all, existing commentators, in that Burke is seen to be neither an exponent of natural law nor an advocate of utilitarianism, but a political dramatist of ritualistic conservatism