Conventions of Drama - 1980 Words

Through the centuries, the conventions of drama have been altered in many different ways. These conventions are the setting, plot, characters and staging. The main factor which has been a dominant force during the changes of conventions has been the society. The society present during the time in which a play was written had a direct influence on the plot and characters. This is because drama is defined as a representation of life. Four plays which have been selected from Greek, Elizabethan, Restoration and Modern times can be analysed to show and represent the changes of drama. These plays are #8220;Oedipus the King#8221;, #8220;Macbeth#8221;, #8220;The Way of the World#8221; and #8220;A Doll#8217;s House#8221;. The†¦show more content†¦A unique feature of the Elizabethan theatre was the use of soliloquies during a play. These are moments when a character is able to voice their inner thoughts and emotions without the other characters hearing (even if they are still on stag e). Such soliloquies enable the audience to enter the mind of the character and understand what is happening. Usually the only character to use a soliloquy is one with a guilty conscience, for example Macbeth. In the play #8220;Macbeth#8221;, Macbeth speaks in soliloquy while he is carrying out or devising dirty deeds. The language which is used during the texts such as Macbeth is Elizabethan language. This is quite metaphorical and poetic with many of the speeches being quite long. By the eighteenth century, drama had changed yet again during the restoration period. This time, the focus had shifted from royalty and drama was now based on the upper class society. The plays written during the restoration period were all to do with dramatic irony and comedy of manners. This type of comedy meant that the main issues dealt with during the play were concerned with up-to-date dress and fashion standards as well as the behaviour of men and women under the new code of permissiveness. The code of permissiveness which prevailed that society was able to do basically anything they pleased, came about with the restoration of Charles II to the throne. As a result in the change of throne, the attitudes ofShow MoreRelated Conventions Of Drama Essay1926 Words   |  8 Pages Through the centuries, the conventions of drama have been altered in many different ways. These conventions are the setting, plot, characters and staging. The main factor which has been a dominant force during the changes of conventions has been the society. The society present during the time in which a play was written had a direct influence on the plot and characters. This is because drama is defined as a representation of life. Four plays which have been selected from Greek, Elizabethan,Read MoreAddiction Responding Task Of The Theatrical Style1300 Words   |  6 Pagesreality. Addiction was an unrealistic piece of drama exploring the drug world, side effects and consequences of drug intake. Through the effective manipulation of masks, abstract props, generalised characters, social Existentialist morals, rhythmic movement, silhouettes, puppetry , a combination of realistic, unrealistic scenarios, in conjunction with the Elements of Drama- symbol, tension and space. All the Elements of Drama and non-realistic conventions conveyed the dramatic meanings of difficultRead MoreKoe No Katachi Film Analysis1611 Words   |  7 Pagesreveals a much darker theme than apparent at first sight. This movie encompasses and follows the cinematic rhetoric of a drama through its many similarities to the normal conventions. Some of the many parallels include the use of unexpected life situations, an emotionally demanding plo t, and deep character development. Due to this, the movie Koe no Katachi adheres to the genre of drama and appeals to a large target audience ranging from teenagers to adults. 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In your discussion refer to how the issues explored in the play have a wider significance than the tragedy of Oedipus as an individual. Assessment 9: Short Essay – Drama Discuss the ways in which the character of Oedipus in Oedipus the King conforms to the conventions of the tragic hero. In your discussion refer to how the issues explored in the play have a wider significance Read MoreGothic Theatre Essay1297 Words   |  6 PagesStir, defiantly showed the characteristics and conventions of Gothic theatre. During the course of the show, dramatic languages and Gothic conventions were displayed; like: Place, Tension, Contrast and Role, plus many more. Skills of drama were also used effectively throughout the production, for example applying stagecraft (design of lighting, sound, set costume, props). 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