Extending Goffman's dramaturgy to critical discourse analysis: Ed Burkhardt's performance after the Lac-Mégantic disaster

Abstract

This article presents an approach to critical discourse analysis using Erving Goffman's dramaturgy. It discusses how the analysis and evaluation of a press conference performance can be strengthened if contemplations of role selection, audience, and frame from Goffman's dramaturgy are included. Goffman's dramaturgy is found to contribute to a normative and explanatory critique of the performance of the chief executive officer (CEO), which is strained by his chosen role, pressures to conform to the audience's expectations, and a failed attempt to influence the frame.