Realism in Theatre Flashcards
1
Q
Auguste Comte
A
- Positism
- All knowledge used for betterment of society
- All events understood in terms of natural cause and effect
2
Q
Charles Darwin
A
- Theory of Evolution.
- People are influenced by biology/ genes and their social environment.
- Orgions of humanity cast doubt on the existence of God.
- Made God impersonal.
- Challenged belief of life after death.
3
Q
Fredrick Nietzsche
A
- God is dead
- Believed people had lost touch with God and were moving away from traditional religion.
- Portrayed in theatre through characters whose lives had lost direction
- Science became an increasing means to solve problems religion couldn’t.
4
Q
Characteristics of Romanticism leading to Realism
A
- 1800s dominated by Romanticism
- More emotional approach
- Melodramatic plots (hero, heroine, villian, accomplice)
- Protagonist often succeeds because of trusting their gut or emotion.
- Themes often include conflict of the soul.
5
Q
What brought about Realism?
A
- Reaction the subjective nature of Romanticism
- Industrial Revolution (job loss, crime, poverty, prostitution)
- Napolianic Wars 》more political oppression in Europe (nationalism)
6
Q
Purpose of Realism
A
- Made theatre more useful to society
- Help us understand human nature
- Theatre becomes more than just escapist entertainment
7
Q
Structure of Romantic Play
A
- Exposition
- Preparation for the Future
- Circumstance Reversals (plot twists)
- Suspense
- Good is rewarded, bad is punished 😈
- Logical Resolution
8
Q
Problems with Romantic Play Structure
A
- Restricts creativity and new ideas
- Play reduced to 6 acts
- Always a happy ending
- Superficial
