DRAMA II Lecture 2 Dr Irum Zulfiqar, Applied Linguist Assistant Professor and Manager Research Operations (ORIC) Department of Humanities Faculty of Social Sciences LTC Block Air University E-9 Islamabad DRAMA II- Lecture 2

SYNOPSIS I. A general historical introduction about Modernism as a literary movement/ II. The Social Significance of the Modern Drama: Discussion of the causes that lead to Modernism/themes/functions of modern playwrights/ Characteristics of the Modern theater Contemporary social significance Native Drama Functions and Characteristics of Modern Drama The Role of Scandinavian Drama Four cardinal sins of Modern Society Ibsen’s Work DRAMA II- Lecture 2

I. Introduction to the literary movement known as Modernism Sense of Self-conscious Art for art’s sake The Influence: World War I Characteristics of the Modern Writings DRAMA II- Lecture 2

Literary Modernism Who Why What DRAMA II- Lecture 2

Literary Modernism: Why What characterizes these writings the way they are… World War I: Destruction and disruption Technology the industrialization of weapons DRAMA II- Lecture 2

Literary Modernism: What What actually is going on in these works that makes them so different? nonlinearity of plot or sequence of things irony and satire voices and the idea of stream of consciousness allusions DRAMA II- Lecture 2

II. The Social Significance of the Modern Drama the functions of art for art’s sake and art as the mirror of life DRAMA II- Lecture 2

attitude of aloofness the mirror of life DRAMA II- Lecture 2

“a lay preacher popularizing the pressing questions of his time.” (August Strindberg) DRAMA II- Lecture 2

Any mode of creative work, which with true perception portrays social wrongs earnestly and boldly, may be a greater menace to our social fabric and a more powerful inspiration than the wildest harangue of the soapbox orator. DRAMA II- Lecture 2

Contemporary Social Significance the modern drama of Europe has till recently been inaccessible in printed form to the average theater-goer in the country audiences have to content themselves with the interpretation, or rather misinterpretation, of dramatic critics As a result the social significance of the Modern Drama has well nigh been lost to the general public DRAMA II- Lecture 2

Native Drama America has so far produced very little worthy to be considered in a social light. Lacking the cultural and evolutionary tradition of the Old World, America has necessarily first to prepare the soil out of which sprouts creative genius. DRAMA II- Lecture 2

America could not so far produce its own social drama. commendable beginnings in this direction have been made within recent years, among them “The Easiest Way,” by Eugene Walter, “Keeping Up Appearances,” and other plays by Butler Davenport, “Nowadays” and two other volumes of one-act plays, by George Middleton, — attempts that hold out an encouraging promise for the future. DRAMA II- Lecture 2

Functions and Characteristics of Modern Drama mirrors the complex struggle of life the inspiration is to seek truth either to become part of the process or be left behind This is the social significance which differentiates modern dramatic art from art for art’s sake. It is the dynamite which undermines superstition, shakes the social pillars, and prepares men and women for the reconstruction. DRAMA II- Lecture 2

The Role of Scandinavian Drama “The State is the curse of the individual. How has the national strength of Prussia been purchased? By the sinking of the individual in a political and geographical formula... The State must go! That will be a revolution which will find me on its side. Undermine the idea of the State, set up in its place spontaneous action, and the idea that spiritual relationship is the only thing that makes for unity, and you will start the elements of a liberty which will be something worth possessing.” (Henrik Ibsen ) DRAMA II- Lecture 2

Ibsen consistently strove to uproot every stone of our social structure he thunder his fiery indictment against the four cardinal sins of modern society DRAMA II- Lecture 2

Four cardinal sins of Modern Society 1 the Lie inherent in our social arrangements 2 Sacrifice and Duty 3 the twin curses that fetter the spirit of man 4 the narrow-mindedness and pettiness of Provincialism DRAMA II- Lecture 2

“so pitifully afraid of the light.” (Mrs. Alving) Ibsen’s Work “so pitifully afraid of the light.” (Mrs. Alving) DRAMA II- Lecture 2

Lecture 2: A Review I. A general historical introduction about Modernism as a literary movement/ II. The Social Significance of the Modern Drama: Discussion of the causes that lead to Modernism/themes/functions of modern playwrights/ Characteristics of the Modern theater Contemporary social significance Native Drama Functions and Characteristics of Modern Drama The Role of Scandinavian Drama Four cardinal sins of Modern Society Ibsen’s Work DRAMA II- Lecture 2

Agenda Lecture 3 PART I: Some Ground Rules to Study Drama What Is Drama, Conflict, Rising and falling action , Plot – denouement, Catharsis Going Deeper- Meaning Making: Themes, Subtext, Imagery, Symbol, Metaphor, Allegory, Ambiguity, Irony, Allusion, Archetypes Analysis – Comprehension: 7-stages Drawing Conclusion PART II: Contextual Understanding of The Doll’s House Writer’s Background A Doll’s House: Themes and Structure Plot Overview: A Doll’s House DRAMA II- Lecture 2