Notes on Chapter 2: Drama

Chapter 2: Drama

Introduction

  • Definition of Drama: Any work intended to be performed by actors; derived from the Greek word "draein" meaning "to act".

  • Performance aspect: The primary distinguishing feature of drama; its meaning often depends on performance, not just text.

  • Types of dramatic works:

    • Play: Specific dramatic works.

    • Drama: Refers to the form as a whole.

  • Forms of plays: Can be in verse (poetic drama), prose, or a mixture (e.g., Shakespeare).

Origins and Early Forms

  • Points of origin for Drama:

    • Greek Tragedy: Evolved from choral songs related to Dionysian rituals.

    • Greek Comedy: Evolved later, recognized at the Dionysus festival in 486 BC; involved parodying tragedies.

    • Medieval European Drama: Originated from Christian liturgical rituals.

  • Types of Early Plays:

    • Mystery Plays: Depict biblical narratives performed by trade guilds.

    • Known cycles: York Cycle, Coventry Cycle, Chester Cycle, Towneley Cycle.

    • Miracle Plays: Non-scriptural narratives about saints’ miracles.

    • Morality Plays: Didactic plays using allegorical characters (e.g., Everyman).

    • Interludes: Short stage entertainments between meals or acts.

Structure of a Play

  • Acts and Scenes:

    • Typically divided into acts (signifying plot development).

    • Five-Act Structure: Introduced exposition, complication, climax, falling action, and catastrophe.

    • Examples of one-act plays by major dramatists in the 19th century (Chekhov, Strindberg).

Major Dramatic Genres
Tragedy

  • Definition: A drama dealing with serious subjects leading to a protagonist’s downfall.

  • Aristotle's Definition: "A tragedy… is the imitation of an action that is serious… arousing pity and fear, accomplishing its catharsis."

  • Characteristics:

    • Tragic hero possessing hamartia (tragic flaw) leading to peripeteia (reversal).

    • Major playwrights: Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and later Shakespeare.

Comedy

  • Definition: Lighter drama with a happy ending.

  • Types:

    • Romantic Comedy: Focus on love (e.g., As You Like It).

    • Comedy of Humours: Characters defined by one dominating trait (e.g., Ben Jonson).

    • Comedy of Manners: Social behavior and norms (e.g., Restoration comedies).

    • Sentimental Comedy: Focus on virtue and emotional responses rather than vice.

    • Farce: Comedy relying on exaggerated situations (e.g., mistaken identities).

Tragicomedy

  • Definition: Blending elements of tragedy and comedy.

  • Examples: Works by John Fletcher and collaborations with Francis Beaumont (e.g., Philaster).

Dramatic Devices

  • Soliloquy: A speech revealing a character’s internal thoughts.

  • Aside: A remark meant for the audience, supposedly inaudible to other characters.

  • Chorus: A group providing commentary on the action in Greek plays.

  • Irony: Discrepancy between expectation and reality (e.g., dramatic irony in Romeo and Juliet).

Types of Committees

Subcategories of comedy with individual characteristics:

  • Romantic Comedy: Centered around love.

  • Comedy of Humours: Driven by character quirks.

  • Comedy of Manners: Satirizes social manners.

  • Sentimental Comedy: Emphasizes virtue and emotion.

  • Farce: Based on improbable scenarios and slapstick.

  • Burlesque: Imitation for ridicule.

  • Black Comedy: Emotional responses to grave topics.

Types of Tragedy

  • Revenge Tragedy: Poignant journeys to avenge wrongs (e.g., Hamlet).

  • Domestic Tragedy: Focuses on lower/middle-class protagonists.

  • Heroic Drama: Elevated style often featuring larger-than-life characters.

Other Forms of Drama

  • Melodrama: Sensational storytelling emotionally engaging the audience.

  • Masque: Courtly entertainment blending poetry, drama, and music.

  • Kitchen-Sink Drama: Realistic portrayals of working-class life.

  • Epic Theatre: Breaks traditional narrative forms to provoke societal awareness.

  • Theatre of the Absurd: Explores themes of existentialism through illogical narratives and baffling characters (e.g., Waiting for Godot).

Summary

This chapter outlines the fundamental aspects of drama including its origins, structure, and major genres, characterized by their intent, themes, and the specific devices used to convey their messages. It also illustrates how different forms and styles have evolved over time, reflecting societal changes and artistic innovations.