Drama

Page 1: Introduction

  • Topic for the day is introduced as a question.

Page 2: Topic Overview

  • Focus on Drama in Philippine Literature.

Page 3: Objectives

  • Goals for students:

    • Develop interest in various dramas.

    • Provide examples of Philippine drama.

Page 4: Introduction to Drama

  • Definition: Drama is an art form that is both written and performed.

  • Origin: Derived from the Greek word "dran" meaning “to do” or “to act”.

  • Range of Drama: Includes theatrical performances and representations of real-life situations.

Page 5: Elements of Dramatic Literature

  • Key components include:

    1. Plot

    2. Character

    3. Point of View

    4. Setting

    5. Language

    6. Tone

    7. Symbolism

    8. Subject and Theme

Page 6: Plot

  • Definition: A planned sequence of events from conflict to resolution.

  • Can involve various types of conflict: physical, psychological, social, etc.

  • Five-stage plot structure:

    • Exposition

    • Complication

    • Climax

    • Catastrophe

    • Resolution

Page 7: Plot Details

  • Exposition: Introduces characters and conflicts.

  • Complication: Conflict begins to intensify.

  • Climax: Turning point of the story, often involving a crucial choice for the protagonist.

  • Catastrophe: Key revelations occur; conflicts may remain unsolved.

  • Resolution: Conflicts are resolved.

Page 8: Character

  • Definition: Created by the writer, characters drive the action and convey emotions.

  • Types of characters:

    • Round characters: Evolve throughout the drama.

    • Flat characters: Remain unchanged.

    • Protagonists: Central characters.

    • Antagonists: Oppose the protagonists, often villains.

Page 9: Understanding Characters

  • Learn about characters through:

    • Their dialogue and actions.

    • Comments from other characters about them.

    • Actions of other characters towards them.

Page 10: Point of View

  • Definition: Refers to the perspective conveyed through characters' actions and dialogue.

  • Differentiates from poetry and fiction where viewpoint is clearer.

Page 11: Identifying Point of View

  • Clues to point of view include:

    1. Soliloquy: Character expresses their thoughts.

    2. Aside: Direct comments to the audience, not heard by other characters.

Page 12: Setting

  • Definition: Time and place of the drama; revealed during exposition.

  • Involves stage aspects such as scenery, props, and lighting.

Page 13: Language

  • Importance of decorum: language must fit the drama appropriately.

Page 14: Tone

  • Definition: Atmosphere conveyed through moods and attitudes in the drama.

  • Communication of tone through body language and actions (e.g. rolling eyes, silence).

Page 15: Symbolism

  • Use of symbols to represent broader human experiences.

  • Plays may offer allegorical elements.

Page 16: Subject and Theme

  • Subject: Specific human experience the playwright aims to depict (e.g., love, war).

  • Theme: Ideas emphasized by the playwright.

Page 17: Types of Drama

  • Four main types:

    1. Tragedy

    2. Melodrama

    3. Comedy

    4. Farce

Page 18: Tragedy

  • Focuses on a character facing higher forces (e.g., societal, divine).

  • The character undergoes a transformation and must accept the outcome.

Page 19: Tragedy Requirements

  • Elements that define a tragedy:

    1. Deals with serious subjects.

    2. Central character is a significant figure.

    3. Honest incidents without coincidence.

    4. Evokes pity and fear.

    5. Ends in defeat but leads to enlightenment.

Page 20: Example of Tragedy

  • Mantsa by Jozel P. Fontanilla: Represents unspoken resentments of the main character, Ligaya, depicting turmoil and societal issues.

Page 22: Melodrama

  • Involves exaggerated events with emotional appeal, typically featuring a virtuous protagonist.

  • Generally concludes with a happy ending.

Page 23: Melodrama Requirements

  • Elements defining a melodrama:

    1. Serious subject matter.

    2. More relatable characters encouraging audience empathy.

    3. Episodic structure with exciting incidents.

    4. Emotional but lacks real enlightenment.

    5. Protagonist typically wins.

Page 24: Example of Melodrama

  • Bona by Cenen Ramones: Tells the story of a schoolgirl entangled with minor actors, dealing with social class challenges.

Page 26: Comedy

  • Aim for a light-hearted story culminating in a happy ending.

  • Varieties include high comedy (verbal wit) and low comedy (physical humor).

Page 27: Comedy Requirements

  • Criteria for a comedy:

    1. Light treatment of serious subjects.

    2. Evokes thoughtful laughter.

    3. Plausible situations.

    4. Originates from character-based scenarios.

    5. Honest depiction of life.

Page 28: Example of Comedy

  • Monkeys by Bernard Badion: Highlights stories of Filipino farm laborers in the 1930s.

Page 30: Farce

  • Definition: Characterized by absurd humor and physical comedy.

Page 31: Farce Requirements

  • Criteria for farce:

    1. Creates loud laughter.

    2. Accepts improbable situations but remains lifelike.

    3. Focuses on situational comedy rather than character.

    4. Requires rapid pacing.

Page 33: Test of a Play’s Greatness

  • Questions to assess a play's value:

    1. Universality and appeal.

    2. Credibility of characters and situations.

    3. Ability to inspire change or reflection.

    4. Quality of language.

    5. Insight into life’s meaning.

Page 34: References

  • Cited works and sources for study material, including videos and articles relevant to Philippine literature and drama.