Deck 5: Theatrical Writing: Perspectives and Forms

Question 1

The writers tragic vision conceives of people as both vulnerable and invincible. Using examples from either Medea or Oedipus the King explain what the statement means and how it applies to the play.

Answer 1

In the play "Oedipus the King," the tragic vision of people as both vulnerable and invincible is exemplified through the character of Oedipus. Oedipus is initially portrayed as invincible, a powerful and confident king who believes he can outsmart fate and avoid the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. However, as the play unfolds, Oedipus's vulnerability becomes increasingly apparent as he discovers the truth of his own tragic destiny. Despite his efforts to defy fate, Oedipus ultimately realizes that he is powerless to change his own fate, and he is left vulnerable to the tragic consequences of his actions.

Similarly, in "Medea," the character of Medea embodies both vulnerability and invincibility. Medea is initially depicted as invincible, a cunning and powerful sorceress who is able to manipulate those around her to achieve her own ends. However, as the play progresses, her vulnerability is revealed as she becomes consumed by her own passion and ultimately commits heinous acts of revenge. Despite her initial strength and determination, Medea is ultimately unable to escape the tragic consequences of her own actions, leaving her vulnerable to the destructive forces she has set in motion.

In both plays, the tragic vision of people as both vulnerable and invincible serves to highlight the complex and often contradictory nature of human existence. The characters' initial invincibility gives way to their vulnerability, ultimately leading to their tragic downfalls. This serves as a powerful reminder of the limitations of human agency and the inevitability of fate, making the plays enduring examples of the tragic vision in literature.

Question 2

In comedy social disorder is often created by an eccentric character who deviates from reasonable values. Using any comedy by Moliere, give examples to support the statement.

Answer 2

In Moliere's comedy "The Misanthrope," the character Alceste is an eccentric figure who deviates from reasonable values. He is known for his extreme honesty and blunt criticism of others, which often leads to social disorder and conflict within the play. For example, Alceste's refusal to engage in the social niceties and flattery that are expected in his society causes tension and alienates him from others. This eccentric behavior creates a disruption in the social order and leads to humorous situations throughout the play. Similarly, in "Tartuffe," the titular character is a hypocritical and deceitful religious figure who disrupts the harmony of the household. His extreme devotion to his own selfish desires and manipulation of others creates chaos and disorder within the family, leading to comedic moments as the characters navigate the consequences of his actions. In both of these comedies, Moliere showcases how eccentric characters who deviate from reasonable values can create social disorder and contribute to the comedic elements of the plays.

Question 3

Absurdist playwrights create a world where our attempts to control our destiny are fruitless and futile. Using examples from plays you have read or viewed in class, discuss two characters who fruitlessly attempt to change their destinies.

Answer 3

One example of a character who fruitlessly attempts to change his destiny is Vladimir from Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot." Throughout the play, Vladimir and his companion Estragon wait for a man named Godot, who never arrives. Despite their repeated attempts to leave and change their situation, they always end up back in the same place, waiting for Godot. Their attempts to control their destiny and escape their predicament are ultimately futile.

Another example can be found in Eugene Ionesco's "The Bald Soprano," where Mr. and Mrs. Smith try to make sense of their nonsensical world. They try to have a meaningful conversation and connect with each other, but their efforts are constantly thwarted by misunderstandings and absurdities. No matter how hard they try, they are unable to change the absurd nature of their existence.

In both of these plays, the characters' attempts to control their destinies are ultimately fruitless, highlighting the absurdist theme that our efforts to change our circumstances are often futile in a chaotic and nonsensical world.

Question 4

The play Tartuffe was written by

A) Moliere
B) Ionesco
C) Camus
D) Beckett

Question 5

Michael Frayn's Noises Off is a good example of

A) Melodrama
B) Tragicomedy
C) Farce
D) Comedy

Question 6

The leading proponent of Epic Theatre in the 20^th century was

A) Brecht
B) Piscator
C) Brook
D) Ionesco

Question 7

The Poetics, the first Western writings on tragedy, were written by

A) Aristotle
B) Aeschylus
C) Aristophanes
D) Agamemnon

Question 8

Tragedy often leads to a realization or

A) Catharsis
B) Anagnorisis
C) Apotheosis
D) None of these

Question 9

Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot can best be considered a

A) Melodrama
B) Tragicomedy
C) Adaptation
D) Comedy

Question 10

Euripides failed to gain popularity during his lifetime because of

A) His innovations with play structure
B) His use of characters
C) His subject matter
D) All of these

Question 11

Early comedy concerned itself with misers and gluttons, while later comedy was centered around

A) Gods and heroes
B) Young lovers
C) Hypocrites and parasites
D) The older generation

Question 12

Tragicomedy, as a form, is associated with the reversal from

A) Bad fortune to good
B) Evil deeds to good deeds
C) Sad to funny
D) Wickedness to piety

Question 13

The Bald Soprano grew out of Ionesco's fascination with

A) English menus
B) An advertisement for hair replacement
C) An English language grammar book
D) A misunderstood subway sign

Question 14

The Epic Theatre is both episodic and narrative

Question 15

Ionesco defined absurd as "anything without a goal."

Question 16

Sophocles laid down the foundations for western drama in The Poetics.

Question 17

Anton Chekhov's greatest works, during his lifetime, were first produced at the Moscow Art Theatre.

Question 18

Both Tom Wingfield and Willie Loman are familiar parental figures.

Question 19

Euripides Medea is tragic because two children die during it.

Question 20

At the end of a comedy, the life force is celebrated with a long speech, called an "epilogue."