Modernist Drama Essay - 2500 Words

Madison Micucci Since 300 B.C, dramatists all over the world have modeled their works after Aristotle’s definition of drama as â€Å"the imitation of an action that is serious†¦in a dramatic rather than narrative form with incidents arousing pity and fear wherewith to accomplish a catharsis of these emotions.† Aristotle’s ideas have endured centuries of change and continue to transcend cultural and historical boundaries. Countless works, whether classical or contemporary, follow the example set by the ancient Greeks, Shakespeare and others, to create dramatic masterpieces that thrill, dazzle and overwhelm the audience by appealing to their emotions. However, the dawn of twentieth century gave rise to new theatrical forms that take the†¦show more content†¦Instead, Chekhov reveals the unfortunate facts in a casual conversation between Trepolev and Dorn in Act Four. When Dorn asks about Nina as an afterthought, Trepolev explains matter-of-factly, She ran away from home and joined Trigorin. She had a child that died. Trigorin soon tired of her and returned to his former ties, as might have been expected. As far as I can make out from what I have heard, Ninas domestic life has not been altogether a success. She is in the village, at the inn. She has been there for five days. I should have gone to see her but†¦she refuses to see anyone. Her father and stepmother have disowned her. They have even put watchmen all around their estate to keep her away (Chekhov, 76). Trepolev’s brief explanation is devoid of palpable concern, and none of the other characters in the scene are distressed by what should be devastating news. Thus, the audience has little opportunity to empathize with Nina. Chekhov also curbs the emotional impact of the situation by quickly shifting focus to the arrival of two other characters. Moments later, he uses indirect action again to reveal Trepolev’s suicide. As the end of the play approaches, there is no hint of dramatic tension, which is why Dorn’s final line â€Å"†¦what I wanted to say was that Constantine has shot himself† is so profound. This intentionally abrupt conclusion leaves the audience to ponder its significanceShow MoreRelatedThematic Analysis Of The Novel Mrs. Dalloway And The Cannibalist Manifesto `` By Oswald De Andrade1471 Words   |  6 PagesThematic Concern in Modernist Literature The modernist literature or literary modernism traces its origin in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has its roots mainly in North America and Europe. It is characterized by various authors from various genres of literature with a self-conscious break with the conventional way of writing in prose, plays, and poetry. The major modernist works of Samuel Beckett’s, â€Å"Waiting for Godot,† poem by T. S. 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