Modern English Drama and Ibsen

Modern English Drama

• Modern English drama covers plays from the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Focuses on real situations, characters, and incidents.
• Uses everyday language.
• Features "common man" or "anti-hero" characters who experience life's difficulties.
• Dramatists explored naturalism and realistic portrayals of life's problems.

Henrik Ibsen

• Norwegian dramatist who popularized realism in modern drama.
• Depicted real life problems in a realistic style.
• G.B. Shaw followed Ibsen's realistic approach.

Problem Plays

• Modern drama often involves problem plays.
• These plays address social issues like marriage, justice, corruption, poverty, and inequality.
• Plays also explore political and religious issues.
• Used as a means to create societal reform.
• Example: Ibsen's A Doll's House portrays the unrealistic nature of marriage.
• Shows the woman's position in society and how societal expectations deprive them.

Modern Drama Characteristics

• Drama of Ideas: Focuses more on ideas than action. Utilizes theater to spread free expression of real issues.
• Deals with Real Issues: Addresses human life and conflict.
• Political, Philosophical, and Revolutionary Themes: Explores human relations, political tensions, and fundamental questions about life and existence, and resistance against societal norms.
• Realistic Characters and Dialogue: Shows everyday speech and natural human behavior.
• Internal Conflicts: Characters drive conflicts rather than imposed events.
• Social Issues: Examines problems that impact individuals and society.

Realism in Drama

• Realism emphasized believable characters, dialogue, and settings that represent everyday life.
• Focuses on real-life situations.
• Explores common human problems and concerns.
• Emphasizes character over plot and action.
• Shows complex ethical dilemmas.

Absurdism and Naturalism

• These are also styles used in modern drama.
• Absurdism presents a sense of meaninglessness.
• Naturalism attempts to mirror actual life with its flaws and difficulties.

Playwriting Process

• Selecting appropriate material and themes is crucial for any play, whether realistic or otherwise.