To effectively show a certain discontent with society, an author must have the ability to illustrate the specific flaws that exist within that traditional society. In What the Butler Saw, Joe Orton does an excellent job of illustrating how abuse of authority can have a subversive effect on an individual's personality. Throughout the show, Orton uses authority as a tool to illustrate how he has the ability to alter a patient's personality and cause insanity through psychiatric practice. As for Sam Shepard's True West, Shepard is able to illustrate the exchange of personality traits between two brothers. In comparison, it is evident that both authors actually show their discontent with mainstream society. However, Joe Orton is more effective in showing his discontent because his work illustrates a greater degree of personality changes that exist between the characters. In essence, both works show traits that do not belong to mainstream society. These traits include personality swapping between characters and identity confusion. However, each of these traits is driven by a social catalyst introduced by the authors to illustrate the evolution of the characters involved. In What the Butler Saw, Joe Orton places a strong emphasis on authority and how it plays into character development. The perception of abused authority is central to his work as it gives him the opportunity to illustrate the influence it has on the characters and the level of madness it causes. Being set in a psychiatric clinic, Orton is able to put each character through different tests of authority and allow readers to observe the effect it has on them. In Orton's society, psychiatrists are believed to possess an absolute hope of becoming more conventional. As a result, Lee quickly attempts to adopt his new identity as a screenwriter: “I'm a screenwriter now! I am legitimate” (37). However, Austin's sense of identity is lost when Saul chooses Lee's script instead. Austin is now forced to decide whether to establish a new identity or adopt his brother's carefree outlook on life. Shepard shows his discontent with mainstream society by demonstrating that things are often not as they seem. In our society, reality can be complex and elusive. In conclusion, both authors provide effective ways to show their discontent with mainstream society. However, Joe Orton does a more effective job of illustrating his discontent by introducing a greater degree of social flaws that run counter to traditional understanding. In essence, both authors provide themes that criticize social conventions.