Humanities 120 Drama
Humanities 120
Drama
Drama is a type of literature.
Its basic medium is spoken language.
(Medium: the material or technique an artist works with.)
Drama uses the resources of the theater to show human actions in such a way that we gain a deeper
understanding of the human experience.
Origins
of
Drama
Drama is such an ancient art form that its origins are
beyond human record.
It may have developed out of important rituals having to do with:
•Sewing and reaping crops
•Fertility rituals
•Burial rituals
So it has strong associations with the cycles of life, and the rhythms of nature
Subject Matter
of
Drama
The subject matter of drama are human events and actions
particularly as they convey some idea about the human condition.
Formal Elements
Of
Drama
•Diction
•Syntax
•Rhyme
•Rhythm
•Meter
•Metaphor
•Simile
•Symbol
•Action
•Character
•Setting
•Dialogue
Action:The dramatic narrative; the plot or ongoing
business of the characters
Action generally takes place in a narrative arc:
•Introduction
•Development
•Climax
•Conclusion
A simple narrative arc
Character:The way in which each individual in the
drama is portrayed
This includes the history, motivations, personality,
and decisions of the individuals.
Setting:The place(s) where the action occurs; created
through the manipulation of sets, lights, scenery, and references.
This can either be very realistically produced
Or barely hinted at.
Dialogue:The spoken words of actors playing
characters in the drama.
Most dialogue is spoken by one actor to another/others, but there is a form of
dialogue called soliloquy and one called monologue.
Soliloquy:
When a character delivers a brief speech to the audience;
Generally expresses a character’s inner thoughts;
We can generally assume we’re hearing character’s “true thoughts”;
Consists of relatively brief break in the action.
Monologue:
A character speaks at length;
Sometimes takes up entire act or play;
May be understood as character speaking to self, or directly to audience.
The Structure
of
Drama
Plots are structural principles that govern the shape of the narrative
Plots are often worked around archetypes: basic psychological patterns that people react to on a subconscious level.
Overthrow of father by son
Star-crossed love
Sacrifice of the individual for the good of the whole
The search for self identity
The great quest