Drama

· Second oldest form of literature

· Watching something happen: Voyeuristic

Raw Message (Told) ––> Story (Read) ––> Play (Seen)

· Viewing vs. Participating

· Used to refer to stage; now many written to be read.

· Playwright has the last word: Dialogue endures

Aristotle’s definition of drama:

· Plot: All 7 elements

· Characterization:

*Tragic flaw; pro/antagonist; round/flat; static/dynamic

· Theme(s)

· Dialogue/Stage Directions:

*Convey developments in plot/characterization

*How playwright must convey back story, narration, etc.

Ex: Man who pulls cord in “Samuel”; Mathilde’s desires

· Setting (sets; props; costumes):

*Conveys developments in story; mood; reveals character

· Music (mood; emphasis; character)

Three main kinds of plays:

· Tragedy: Ends unhappily, often with death; meant to evoke pity & fear (Hamlet; Romeo and Juliet)

· Comedy: Ends with marriage, resolution of conflict

· Tragicomedy: Mixes elements of both; makes an overall statement affirming life

(Forrest Gump; Juno; Shawshank Redemption)

*Farce: Making statement with comedy (Lysistrata)

*Dark Comedy: Funny; Twisted (Fight Club)