Absurdism Flashcards
1
Q
When and where did absurdism originate?
A
- France, post world war 2 (1945+)
2
Q
Who are some of the most influential playwrights of the absurdist movement?
A
- Samuel Beckett
- Jean Genet
- Eugene Ionesco
3
Q
What does absurdism explore and how?
A
- explores existentialist views of humanity
- in a theatrical, absurd, irrational fashion
4
Q
What does absurdism demonstrate?
A
- demonstrates the absurdity of existence in an isolated world
5
Q
What does absurdism communicate in terms of existence?
A
- communicates poetic images of a world that is disintegrating and has lost its meaning and purpose
- man is alone in a hostile universe; existence is futile
6
Q
What does absurdism communicate about language?
A
- language has failed as a tool of rational communication
- devaluation of language
7
Q
How does absurdism represent time?
A
- no realistic treatment of time and space
8
Q
What is absurdism a mixture of?
A
- mixture of tragedy and farce
- tragicomedy
9
Q
What is the plot of an absurdist play like?
A
- devoid of traditional linear plot structure
- circular plots and structure or plots spiraling into chaos
- no logical, motivated action
- meaningless stage business
10
Q
What are the characters in an absurdist play like?
A
- have no history or their history is uncertain
- act illogically and irrationally
- human puppets; representing humanity rather than real people
- often mutually dependent if in pairs
11
Q
What images are presented in absurdism?
A
- strange, sometimes nightmarish images
12
Q
How is space used in absurdism?
A
- space can be cluttered or empty
- concepts of confinement and emptiness
