A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023
Drama
Definition: Literary style refers to the distinctive manner in which an author employs language, narrative techniques, and literary devices to convey their ideas and create a unique aesthetic in their written work. Drama is a literary genre that emphasizes the creation of a narrative through dialogue, action, and performance. It is intended to be performed on stage and can include plays, theatrical scripts, and performances that explore various themes, characters, and conflicts through the interactions of characters and their spoken words.
Key Features of Drama:
1. Dialogue and Performance: Drama primarily relies on dialogue between characters to convey the narrative, themes, and emotions. The spoken words and interactions of the characters form the backbone of the storytelling.
2. Conflict and Tension: Drama often centers around conflicts—internal or external—between characters or within characters themselves. These conflicts create tension and drive the narrative forward.
3. Characterization: Characters in drama are brought to life through their dialogue, actions, and interactions with other characters. Their personalities, motivations, and development are essential to the unfolding of the story.
4. Stage Directions: Stage directions are included in drama to provide guidance to actors, directors, and designers regarding movement, gestures, facial expressions, and other non-verbal elements that contribute to the performance.
5. Setting and Time: Drama may feature different settings, time periods, and locations, depending on the story's requirements. The setting can impact the mood and tone of the play.
6. Themes and Messages: Drama often explores complex themes, social issues, moral dilemmas, and human emotions. Through the interactions of characters, the playwright conveys deeper messages to the audience.
7. Structure: Dramatic works are typically divided into acts and scenes that help organize the narrative and provide breaks in the action. The structure can vary depending on the playwright's intentions.
Representatives of Drama:
1. William Shakespeare (1564—1616): Considered one of the greatest playwrights, Shakespeare's works, such as "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Macbeth," encompass a wide range of genres and themes.
2. Anton Chekhov (1860—1904): Chekhov's plays, including "The Seagull," "Uncle Vanya," and "The Cherry Orchard," are known for their exploration of human psychology and emotions.
3. Henrik Ibsen (1828—1906): Ibsen's plays like "A Doll's House" and "Hedda Gabler" are noted for their social criticism and realistic portrayals of complex characters.
4. Arthur Miller (1915—2005): Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible" are celebrated for their exploration of the American Dream, individual identity, and societal pressures.
5. Lorraine Hansberry (1930—1965): Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" is a powerful depiction of African American family life and aspirations in 1950s America.
6. August Wilson (1945—2005): Wilson's ten-play cycle, "The Pittsburgh Cycle" (or "Century Cycle"), captures the African American experience across different decades of the 20th century.
These representatives exemplify the key features of drama, showcasing its focus on dialogue, conflict, character interactions, and thematic exploration. Drama comes to life on the stage, where the playwright's words are brought to reality by actors, directors, and designers.