In Sam Shepard’s play, Buried Child, Tilden’s son, Vince cannot escape his past. It’s a contemporary drama that takes place in the heartland of America, Iowa, in the 1970’s. The play is centered around a screw-ball family and their secrets. When Vince comes back after being away for six years, he gets a taste of what he’s in for. Originally, Vince was on a quest to New Mexico to go visit his father in jail. Making this pit stop in Iowa will change his life forever.

Vince enters with his “friend” Shelly. He’s quick to defend his house and his family when his girlfriend pokes fun at the all American setting. Shelly’s first impression seems to be the most important thing to Vince. He doesn’t want her to embarrass him. When Dodge first sees Vince, he thinks it’s Tilden. This shows us how much the father and son resemble each other. Dodge is quick to note that Vince and Shelly’s relationship isn’t going to last. He can see right through them. Shelly doesn’t fit into their family and she never will.

Shelly tells us why Vince came back after six years. “I mean Vince has this thing about his family now. I guess it’s a new thing with him. I

In any event, it all comes together at the end. Dodge gives his grandson the house. Shelly leaves just like Dodge said she would. He knew it wasn’t going to work out. Vince makes it seem like it’s his duty to stay. “I’ve gotta carry on the line. I’ve gotta see to it that things keep rolling.” (p.130) He describes his car ride and how he saw his past and future and realized what he had to do. He questions Father Dewis in the end when he refers to Halie as Vince’s Grandmother. This also supports the idea of incest, because technically Halie would be Vince’s mother.

He reappears as drunk as a skunk several hours later. This is when I first saw Vince’s resemblance to Dodge. Dodge finally refers to himself as grandpa when he tries to get his bottle of whiskey from Vince. “It’s me! Your Grandfather! Don’t play stupid with me! Where’s my two bucks!” (p.125) Throughout the play, in some twisted way, it seems like the bond between these two keep getting stronger and stronger.

kind of find it hard to relate to. But he feels it’s important. You know. I mean he feels he wants to get to know you all again. After all this time.”(p.86) Why after six years does Vince feel it’s necessary to see his family again? Is it fate? He probably couldn’t avoid the situation. No matter where in life he was, he was going to come back

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