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Solving World Problems: Neoclassical Theatre Principles Explored

This article delves into the principles of Neoclassical Theatre, which originated in France during the mid-1600s, following the guidelines set by Aristotle. The rules of purity of dramatic form, verisimilitude, serious moral purpose, universal truths, decorum, and the three unities are explored in detail, exemplifying the style and themes of Neoclassical Drama. The renowned playwright Moliere is highlighted for his mastery of satire and his contributions to this style of theatre, along with a comparison to Jonathan Swift’s satirical works. Dive into the world of Neoclassical Theatre and its enduring impact on the dramatic arts.

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Solving World Problems: Neoclassical Theatre Principles Explored

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  1. Journal #2: 02/24/2010Solve a World Problem • Make a short list of 3-5 problems that exist in the world today (like hunger, jobs, etc. ) • Choose one, and explain how you would solve this problem if given the opportunity. • Then, tell me (this can be funny if you like) What would be the ABSOLUTE WORST WAY to solve this problem? Explain why.

  2. Neoclassical Drama/ Theatre By Vanessa Molden Western High School

  3. Neoclassical Theatre • Started in France in the mid 1600’s (during the Baroque period in music and visual art) • Modeled on classical Greek and ancient Roman examples. • Based on the principles of Aristotle. • Guidelines were established for the arts. Theatre had to follow RULES.

  4. RULE #1: Purity of Dramatic Form • Complete separation of COMEDY and TRAGEDY according to classical tradition. • TRAGEDY • Written in high poetic style • Feature kings and aristocrats • Deal with affairs of state and the downfall of rulers • End unhappily • COMEDY • Written in more ordinary speech (though still in verse) • Feature ordinary characters from middle and working classes • Deal with domestic and personal affairs • End happily

  5. RULE #2: Verisimilitude • Plays should only include events that could happen in real life. • This excludes: • Supernatural Beings • Fantasy Elements • Onstage Violence (because it was rarely convincing and potentially offensive) • Choruses • Soliloquies (a monologue where a character speaks directly to the audience, or to themselves)

  6. RULE #3: Serious Moral Purpose • Plays were meant to teach a lesson • The virtuous are rewarded, while the wicked are punished • In Moliere’s comedies, the moral usually concerns maintaining a balanced view of life.

  7. RULE #4: Universal Truths • Playwrights are expected to focus not on the details of individual characters, but on the universal and permanent aspects of humanity

  8. Rule #5: Decorum • Characters must act in a way that is appropriate to their stations in life.

  9. Rule #6: The Three Unities • Three Unities: Time, Space, and Action • A well-crafted play should take place within a very short time period (no more than 24 hours) • Should take place within a very confined area. • Should concern only one main action (no or few subplots)

  10. Rule #7: Five-Act Structure Act Three: Climax Act Two: Rising Action Act Four: Falling Action Act Five: Denouement Act One: Exposition

  11. Moliere (1622-1673) • Born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin • France’s greatest comic playwright – Louis XIV loved his work. • Master of SATIRE • Folly, vices, and pretensions of characters are exposed through witty dialogue, clever language, and physical gags • Wrote: The Misanthrope (1666), The Doctor In Spite of Himself (1666), and Tartuffe (1664)

  12. Reading Satire • Jonathan Swift was an author who was writing during the Neoclassical Period. • Like Moliere, much of Swift’s work is considered SATIRE. • He wrote Gulliver’s Travels (a novel) and the short essay, “A Modest Proposal” among other things. • Read “A Modest Proposal” and answer the questions that follow. This will be turned in for a grade. ***Whatever you do not finish should be completed for homework and turned in tomorrow

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