sample questions Flashcards
1
Q
What is “The Living Newspaper” and who was its main supporter?
A
The engaged drama of the 1930s.
The Living Newspaper – a theatrical production of current events, social problems and controversial issues, initiated in 1935 as part of the Federal Theatre Project; Elmer Rice – the main supporter, also Clifford Odets (Waiting for Lefty a very good example of a socially engaged drama). These performances did not only reveal the problems but also indicated some possible solutions to the problems, they played an
important part.
2
Q
How does a vaudeville show differ from a minstrel show?
A
A vaudeville show is a type of theatrical entertainment that consists of a series of unrelated acts, usually around 15, that include comedians, dancers, singers, musicians, and acrobats among others. They are described as variety entertainment. The people – the stars – who performed in the show were often seen as more important as the show itself. They stayed popular until the invention of the film, and even then, the vaudeville shows were, for some time at least, well-visited because of the sound, which the films lacked. With time, the vaudeville shows became more sophisticated and complex. One of the most famous, if not the most famous vaudeville shows is Oklahoma, a musical by Richard Rodgers, which received numerous awards, including a Pulitzer Prize and the Academy Award. It also received a film adaptation.
Minstrel show: Shows consisting of comic skits, dancing, music, which were developed in the 19th century, between 1850s and 1870s. They mocked the people of native African descent and Native Americans. Minstrel show mostly included slapstick comedy, and the actors who portrayed the black people were actually white, but wore black make up. Because of that, they were called Black faces. The main themes of minstrel shows were racism and racial stereotypes. In the 20th century, they were replaced by the vaudeville shows
3
Q
The importance of Eugene O’Neill for the development of American drama.
A
- the only American playwright to have won the Nobel Prize for literature (in 1936)
- four Pulitzer Prizes
- the influence of Ibsen and Strindberg (combination of realism/naturalism and expressionism)
- the influence of Greek dramatists
- vernacular
- setting (the deck of a steamer – Bound East for Cardiff, a saloon – The Iceman Cometh, …)
- characters from the fringes of society – struggle to retain their hopes and aspirations, but ultimately slide into disillusionment and despair
- topics: guilt, despair, regret, repressed desire, disillusionment, addiction, anger, death, loss, murder, incest, drunkenness, prostitution, revenge …
- more than 50 plays
a) Introducing Realism: He brought psychological depth and emotional realism to the American stage, portraying complex characters and intense struggles.
b) Incorporating Tragic Themes: O’Neill shifted American theater from light entertainment to serious, profound narratives, infusing it with tragic elements.
c) Experimenting with Form: He pushed theatrical boundaries through innovative use of styles like expressionism and symbolism, reshaping theatrical conventions.
d) Exploring American Identity: O’Neill’s plays delved into themes like the American Dream and the immigrant experience, reflecting on American society and values.
e) Influencing Future Generations: His groundbreaking work earned international acclaim, including the Nobel Prize, setting a new standard and inspiring future playwrights.
4
Q
Introduce The Adding Machine in terms of the main themes and characterization.
A
- Elmer Rice, 1923
- satirizes contemporary urban life (expressionist play)
- the first American expressionist play
- a satire in 7 scenes
- the critique of dehumanising effect of industrial capitalism;
- a frightening view of the future (technological advancement, passivity)
- Plot of “The Adding Machine”: Mr. Zero, a monotonous accountant, murders his boss after learning he’ll be replaced by an adding machine. After his execution, he navigates the afterlife, confronting the emptiness of his earthly existence and the meaninglessness of his pursuits.
- Themes: The play critiques dehumanization in the industrial age, explores existential questions of purpose and identity, and satirizes the mechanization and monotony of modern life.
5
Q
What kind of play is Our Town? Describe the main characteristics of such a play.
A
- Thornton Wilder, 1938
- a play in three acts
- set in a small town (Grover‘s Corners) in New Hampshire (1901-1913)
- plot – the courtship, marriage, Emily‘s death in giving birth to their child (life cycle – growing up, adulthood and death)
- foreshadowing
- tradition of the Greek chorus
- Expressionist play:
o atmosphere – often dreamlike or nightmarish
o setting - often with only very few props, abstract
o plot and structure – broken into episodes, incidents, tableaux
o characters
stereotypes rather than individual personalities, representing social groups rather than a particular person;
appear grotesque and unreal
masks
o dialogue - unlike real conversation (long monologues or telegrammatic language
o style of acting: often intense, violent, with energetic gestures - The title “Our Town” underscores the play’s universal themes, emphasizing community, belonging, and the shared experiences of daily life. It suggests the story of Grover’s Corners represents any town, highlighting the ordinary yet profound aspects of human existence that resonate universally.
6
Q
What kind of play is Waiting for Lefty? Whose influence does it show?
A
- Odets‘s (he joined the Communist party) first play to be produced on the stage (1935)
- Agitprop production (and engaged drama) is a work that agitates and propagates certain, usually leftist ideas. An example of this is Waiting for Lefty, which is a series of related events within a cab drivers’ union meeting, inspired by a 1934 strike. These plays were inspired by Bertolt Brecht and his dialectical theatre: “the theatre should provoke rational self-reflection and a critical view“
- a series of related vignettes (a short scene describing a character or an event)
- the use of songs to interrupt the action
- a proletarian play, exposing the evils of capitalism and promoting communist ideals
- V-effect
- Harry Fatt (union leader) is anti-communist (says they would betray each other, calls them ‘reds’)
- Lefty elected chairman of the union (found dead at the end)
- Edna pressures Joe to preach for better wages (because capitalism no money), leaves him for an ex boyfriend because he makes more money
- Fayette raise for working with the system, Miller refuses to ‘spy’ though
7
Q
Golden Boy
A
- Odets‘s most successful play;
- Joe Bonaparte trades his musical dream for the chance to pursue a life of fame and fortune in boxing
- The conflict between artistic integrity and commercial success
- The struggle to balance personal ambition with familial and romantic relationships
- The corrosive effects of fame and success on personal character and morality
- The exploration of the American Dream and its potential consequences
- In the end, Joe Bonaparte dies in a car accident after realizing the hollow nature of his success and yearning to return to his true passion for music. His death symbolizes the ultimate price of his choices and the irreversible loss of his artistic potential and personal integrity.
- Today’s relevance of “Golden Boy” lies in its exploration of the conflict between personal fulfillment and the pursuit of success, a dilemma that continues to resonate in modern society.
8
Q
What is Lillian Hellman’s contribution to American drama?
A
- Lillian Hellman - the critique of social and political problems
- Lillian Hellman significantly impacted American drama through her complex characters, especially strong female leads, and her incisive social and political commentary. Her realistic, psychologically deep plays often tackled controversial issues like greed, corruption, and fascism. Hellman’s skilled narrative construction, combined with her political activism and integrity during the McCarthy era, solidified her legacy.
The Children‘s Hour (1934) - based on a real case in the 19th century Edinburgh
- set in girls‘ boarding school
- In “The Children’s Hour,” the lie spread by the student suggests an inappropriate relationship between the two women teachers, causing a scandal. Their lives and careers are shattered as the community turns against them, showcasing the devastating effects of gossip and societal prejudice.
The Little Foxes (1939) - a play in 3 acts
- set in Alabama at the turn of the century
- abut the rise of industrialism in the South
- about the Hubbard family’s ruthless exploitation of fellow townspeople and of one another
- the role of women in the society “It‘s unwise for a good-looking woman to frown. Softness and a smile do more to the heart of men.”
- Racism
- Title: “Song of Solomon” - “Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.”
- Importance today: greed, strong women
9
Q
What is today’s relevance of The Little Foxes?
A
- Greed and Corruption: The Hubbard family’s insatiable desire for wealth and power mirrors the modern corporate world’s sometimes unethical pursuits of profit, highlighting issues of economic disparity and corporate malfeasance that are prevalent in today’s society.
- Gender Dynamics: Regina’s character, who navigates through a male-dominated society to assert her power and autonomy, echoes the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Her fight against patriarchal constraints speaks to the current movements advocating for women’s rights and equal opportunities in various spheres of life.
- Family Conflict and Moral Dilemmas: The intricate family entanglements and moral quandaries depicted in the play mirror the complex interpersonal relationships and ethical dilemmas people face today. The portrayal of familial manipulation and betrayal in the pursuit of personal gain sheds light on the timeless nature of such conflicts in human interactions.
10
Q
What does Steinbeck‘s allusion to Shakespeare‘s play suggest (The Moon is Down)?
A
By referencing Shakespeare, Steinbeck elevates the story of a small town’s occupation by enemy forces to a universal level, drawing parallels between his narrative and the fundamental human conflicts explored in Shakespeare’s plays.
In “The Moon is Down,” Steinbeck’s allusion to Shakespeare’s work is reflected in:
- Moral Ambiguity and Complex Characters: Similar to characters in Shakespeare’s plays, characters in “The Moon is Down” are multifaceted, facing moral dilemmas and internal conflicts.
- Resistance and Rebellion: Echoing themes in Shakespeare’s plays, the townspeople’s subtle resistance against the occupiers highlights the indomitable human spirit.
- Tyranny and Power: The portrayal of the occupying force’s struggle to maintain control mirrors the exploration of power and corruption found in Shakespeare’s works.
The play:
- about the Nazi occupation of an unnamed country and the underground resistance movement
- explores the effects of invasion on the conquered and the conquerors
- uncovers truths about wars and human nature
- the most popular work of propaganda in occupied Western Europe
11
Q
Explain the origin of the title Of Mice and Men. How does it suit the idea(s) of the play?
A
- John Steinbeck
The play is about: - Loneliness: Candy, the old swamper, is lonely after losing his dog, and he desperately seeks companionship.
- Longing for Affection: Crooks, the African American stable-hand, longs for companionship and affection, as he is isolated due to racial discrimination.
- Friendship: George and Lennie’s close friendship is a central element of the play, as they look out for each other and dream of a better future together.
- Personal Aspiration: George aspires to provide a better life for himself and Lennie through their shared dream of owning land and working for themselves.
- Moral Choices: George faces a moral dilemma when he must decide what is best for Lennie after a tragic incident occurs.
- Treatment of Women: Curley’s wife is treated dismissively and objectified by the ranch workers, highlighting the unequal treatment of women during that era.
- Racial Discrimination: Crooks, the only African American on the ranch, is subjected to racial discrimination and segregation, with limited social interaction and a separate living quarters.
- Economic Exploitation: The economic exploitation theme is reflected in the harsh working conditions and low wages endured by the ranch workers.
- Inequalities of the American Social System - Powerless Position of Those at the Bottom of the Hierarchy: The ranch workers, including George and Lennie, represent individuals in a powerless position, struggling to make ends meet and facing uncertain futures in a society marked by economic inequalities.
- TITLE: Robert Burns: “To a Mouse“ (1785) This line is a reflection on how even well-thought-out intentions can be thwarted by unforeseen circumstances or fate (George and Lennie’s dream of owning land goes awry when Lennie’s actions lead to tragedy Lennie kills Curley’s wife then gets killed by George bcz ‘protection’)
- George’s decision to kill Lennie in “Of Mice and Men” is a complex moral dilemma. While it can be seen as an act of mercy to spare Lennie from a potentially violent and painful fate, it also serves as a convenient solution for George. By ending Lennie’s life, George not only prevents him from harming others unintentionally but also relieves himself of the burden of caring for someone with a mental disability in a harsh and unforgiving world. This ambiguity in George’s motives adds depth to the play’s exploration of moral responsibility and the choices individuals make in difficult circumstances.
12
Q
What are the three topics that made the play Come Back, Little Sheba controversial in the 1950s, when it was published? Who is the author? Provide the titles of three other plays by this author.
A
- William Inge (1913-1973)
- Come Back, Little Sheba (1950),
- Picnic (1953)
- Bus Stop (1955)
- The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1957)
- His plays are about:
- loneliness and frustrations of ordinary life, supressed aspirations, denied possibilities, relationships that have declined into bitterness
- suffocating determinism of small-town life, with gentle humour on the surface and despair underneath
- characters are: victims of their own needs, caught in the web of their own sexuality, solitary persons
- Sheba – the embodiment of the past (Sheba doesn‘t come back and neither does the past)
- Many critics attacked Come Back, Little Sheba’s use of symbolism, which they felt was too obvious. Most often Lola’s dreams, Sheba the dog, and the blatant phallic symbolism of Turk’s javelin were singled out for such criticism.
- Lola’s dreams: Lola’s dreams in the play are likely symbolic of her desires and unfulfilled wishes. They could represent her yearning for a better life and the nostalgia for her lost youth. Lola’s dreams and aspirations may have challenged traditional gender roles of the time. The exploration of a woman’s desires beyond the confines of her role as a wife and mother could have been seen as a departure from societal expectations, making it controversial in the eyes of some audiences.
- Sheba the dog: Sheba, the dog, might be seen as a symbol of loyalty and companionship. Exploration of marital dissatisfaction, sexual tensions, and mental health issues.
- Turk’s javelin: The phallic symbolism of Turk’s javelin may be interpreted as a representation of masculine power and desire. This could relate to themes of sexuality and competition within the play. Open discussions or depictions of sexuality, especially in a symbolic or metaphorical manner, were often deemed inappropriate or offensive in the conservative cultural climate of the 1950s.
13
Q
Discuss the main themes in A Raisin in the Sun. How does the play differ from Dutchman?
A
- Lorraine Hansberry
A Raisin in the Sun: - set in Chicago in the 1950s
- racism with the concomitant poverty and limited possibilities The Younger family faces racial discrimination when offered money not to move into a white neighborhood.
- ruthless practices of the capitalist system Walter Lee’s pursuit of a liquor store highlights the harshness of the capitalist system.
- black identity, rich heritage Mama expresses frustration at the lack of knowledge about Africa among African Americans and criticizes church spending over support for African independence. George sarcastically dismisses discussions of African heritage, while Beneatha defends the advanced achievements of African civilizations, emphasizing their significance.
- liberation from the colonial rule in Nigeria
- assimilation, segregation (Beneatha decides to straighten her hair, segregated neighbourhoods)
- collective struggle rather than individual
- Walter Lee Younger comes to realize the importance of family over material wealth and gains a deeper appreciation for his African American heritage in the face of racial discrimination.
- Ending: the Younger family decides to move into their new home in a predominantly white neighborhood, asserting their right to a better life despite racial prejudice. The family members unite, demonstrating their resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
Dutchman: - Amiri Baraka
- 1 act, theatre of cruelty
- Title: from the Book of Matthew – the description of the coming of the Saviour: “But at midnight, there was a cry made. Behold the bridegroom cometh.“
- exposes the deep-rooted racist attitude of the whites - no hope for mutual understanding - impossibility of assimilation (Lula’s racist comments and language in her conversation with Clay highlight the pervasive racism in society.)
- reverses the stereotypes (Clay, the protagonist, initially presents himself as calm and composed, defying the stereotype of the angry or submissive Black man. However, as the play unfolds, the stereotype is reversed as he confronts the oppressive racism he faces, eventually expressing his suppressed anger and frustration.)
- expresses a political warning for Black Americans, who – like Clay – believe in the possibility of assimilation
- whites respond in a repressive manner to publicly articulated rage
- the necessity of revolt (Clay’s confrontation with Lula showcases the urgency of rebelling against racial oppression.)
- reassures black viewers that the “black man is not necessarily alone”
In summary, while both plays address racist issues, “Dutchman” explores them on a more personal and symbolic level within a confined space, whereas “A Raisin in the Sun” takes a broader, more realistic approach by examining the systemic racism faced by a family in their pursuit of a better life.
14
Q
Explain the terms Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway.
A
- Off-Broadway plays are larger, more mainstream productions located near Broadway, often with higher budgets.
- Off-Off-Broadway plays are smaller, experimental, and performed in intimate venues throughout New York City.
- Off-Off-Broadway productions tend to be more affordable and diverse in terms of content and style.
- Off-Broadway plays typically have more mainstream content and larger budgets, while Off-Off-Broadway plays are known for their experimental and unconventional content, often pushing artistic boundaries and catering to niche audiences.
- These names serve as convenient labels to distinguish different levels of theater productions based on their location and the scale of their productions.
- Off-Broadway Dutchman
- Off-Off-Broadway The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler
15
Q
Discuss the main ideas in The Iceman Cometh and explain the origin of the title.
A
- Eugene O’Neill
- the influence of Ibsen and Strindberg (combination of realism/naturalism and expressionism)
- the influence of Greek dramatists
- characters from the fringes of society – struggle to retain their hopes and aspirations, but ultimately slide into disillusionment and despair
- a “dramatic allegory of a common man withstanding the fears by clinging irrationally to hope and illusions“
- The derelict inhabitants of Harry Hope‘s saloon find solace in their comradeship until the arrival of the visiting salesman Theodore Hickey, who insists that they abandon all pipe dreams and face the truth about their lives.
- TITLE: from the Book of Matthew – the description of the coming of the Saviour: “But at midnight, there was a cry made. Behold the bridegroom cometh.“
- a need for self-deception or pipe-dream in order to cope with reality (the regular patrons of the bar, like Harry Hope, cling to their pipe-dreams and illusions as a way to cope with the harsh reality of their lives. For example, Harry Hope holds onto the idea that his wife will return to him, even though she has been gone for decades.)
- exclusion from the society (The residents of the bar, such as Larry Slade and the other patrons, have turned their backs on mainstream society and seek refuge in the bar to avoid confronting their personal failures and disappointments.)
- racism (Joe Mott, a Black character, was a former owner of a gambling house, but he faced discrimination and exclusion due to his race, which ultimately led to the downfall of his establishment. His experiences highlight the racial prejudices present in society at the time)
- the representation of women is limited and largely symbolic 8Margie the sex worker to help men escape their reality)
