Theater Flashcards
Basic characteristics of all plays
Must have dramatic action
Must be internally consistent
According to Aristotle, what are the components of all plays in order of significance?
Plot
Character
Thought
Diction
Sound
Spectacle
What is a tragedy according to Aristotle?
An imitation of an action that has high stakes, complete and not too small or too big; contains language with rhythm and melody with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found both spoken and sung; it should be acted out, and should invoke pity or fear in the audience
Why are plot and character the most important elements of a play?
Plot is the best way of swaying and audience’s feelings, and the characters are what are used to act out the plot
What makes a good tragic plot?
Suitable time, not too long or short
Probable
Reversal/Recognition
What should the tragic hero be?
Better than the average man, but has a fatal flaw, leading to a miscalculation or error in judgement
What is the interpretation of neoclassicists about Aristotle’s rules for a play?
Tragedy is about the nobility, while comedies are about common people. There is a class distinction in the two
What did Arthur Miller say about tragedy?
It should be about the common man willing to lay down their life to secure a personal sense of dignity, and attempt to rightfully gain their place in society
What did Moliére say the purpose of comedy is?
To properly essay the ridicule of man, to dramatize the faults of mankind in a pleasant manner
Factors that make a good comedy according to Moliére
Pleases the audience
Makes the people laugh
Characters are lifelike
Obtains approval of the pit
How did Aristotle, neoclassicists and Moliére differ on their interpretations of comedy?
Aristotle: Comedy is about someone worse than the average man
Neoclassicists: Comedy is about people of low social status
Moliére: Comedy is about the wealthy and powerful
What are some questions to ask of a play?
How does the play work?
What is (the) space/time/climate/mood/sound like in this play?
What changes in the world?
What does the play ask of you?
What is effective dramatic action?
Is complete and self contained
Is deliberately shaped
Has variety
Engages and maintains interest
Is internally consistent
Point of attack
The moment at which a story takes place
