Sir Zafar Nazeer

MR_AB_Deshani Group of Composer

Introduction:
English drama, a rich tapestry woven through centuries, captures the essence of human
experience through performance art. From the Elizabethan era to modern stages, it reflects
societal norms, cultural shifts, and individual struggles with unparalleled depth and
resonance.

Definition:
Drama is a form of literature or performance art that portrays human experiences,
emotions, and conflicts through dialogue and action. It often unfolds on stage, engaging
audiences with its depiction of characters and their interactions within a structured
narrative. Through its portrayal of life's complexities, drama offers insights into the human
condition, provoking thought, emotion, and empathy.
Origin of drama:
The origin of drama can be traced back to ancient civilizations, particularly to the rituals and
ceremonies of early human societies. These rituals, often centered around religious or
cultural practices, involved storytelling, music, and dance to express communal beliefs and
values. Over time, these performances evolved into more structured forms, such as Greek
tragedies and comedies, which were performed in amphitheaters as part of festivals
honoring the gods. From there, drama continued to develop across different cultures and
periods, adapting to reflect the social, political, and artistic movements of each era.
- Originated in ancient Greece around the 5th century BCE
- Evolved from religious rituals honoring Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility
- Initially performed in outdoor theaters during festivals
- Influenced by the works of playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides
- Incorporated elements of music, dance, and poetry
- Served as a means of entertainment, education, and cultural expression.
Elements of Drama:
- Characters:
Individuals or entities driving the plot forward
- Plot:
Sequence of events unfolding the story
- Setting:
Time and place where the action occurs
- Dialogue:
Spoken exchanges between characters

MR_AB_Deshani Group of Composer

- Conflict:
Central tension driving the narrative
- Theme:
Central idea or message conveyed
- Stage directions:
Instructions for actors and crew
- Props and costumes:
Objects and attire used to enhance realism
- Mood and atmosphere:
Emotional tone created for the audience
- Symbolism:
Use of objects or actions to represent deeper meanings.
Types of Drama:
Drama is a captivating form of storytelling that has been cherished for centuries. Let's delve
into its various types:
1. Comedy:
- Tone: Light-hearted and humorous.
- Purpose: To make the audience laugh.
- Endings: Usually happy.
- Examples: Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of
Being Earnest.
2. Tragedy:
Aristotle defined tragedy as an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of
a certain magnitude, portraying the downfall of a noble protagonist due to a tragic flaw or
error in judgment, which elicits emotions of pity and fear in the audience. Tragedy aims to
evoke catharsis, purging these emotions and providing insight into the nature of human
existence.
- Tone: Dark and serious.
- Themes: Death, disaster, and human suffering.
- Endings: Rarely happy.
- Notable Example: Shakespeare’s Hamlet, where tragic flaws lead to characters' downfall.
3. Melodrama:
- Characteristics: Exaggerated emotions, clear heroes and villains.
- Intention: To evoke strong emotional responses.
- Example: Victorian melodramas like The Woman in White.
4. Farce:
- Style: Over-the-top, absurd situations.
- Purpose: To entertain through chaos and mistaken identities.
- Classic Farce: Molière’s Tartuffe.

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5. Musical Drama:
- Blend: Combines spoken dialogue with music and song.
- Famous Musicals: Les Miserable, The Phantom of the Opera.
6. Opera:
- Medium: Sung throughout.
- Themes: Love, tragedy, historical events.
- Iconic Operas: Verdi’s La Travolta, Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
7. Docudrama:
- Based on Real Events: Blends documentary and drama.
- Purpose: To educate and entertain.
- Example: Apollo 13 (film) based on the real-life space mission.
Three Unities:
The three unities refer to principles of classical drama established by Aristotle and followed
by many playwrights, especially during the Renaissance. They are:
1. Unity of Action: The play should have a single main plot with no subplots, focusing on
one central theme or storyline.
2. Unity of Time: The action of the play should take place within a single day or a
relatively short period, typically not exceeding 24 hours.
3. Unity of Place: The play should unfold in a single location, or at least in locations
closely related to each other, without unnecessary shifts in setting.
Difference between Monologue and soliloquy.
Monologue: Soliloquy:

- Typically delivered in the presence of other - A speech delivered by a character alone on

characters.
- A speech or presentation by a single
character in a drama or narrative.
- Intended to convey thoughts, feelings, or
information to other characters or the
audience.
stage, expressing their innermost thoughts
and feelings.
- Usually reveals information to the
audience that other characters are not
aware of.
- Allows the audience to gain insight into
the character's motivations, conflicts, and
emotions.

- Often used to advance the plot, reveal - Often used to provide commentary, reflect
character traits, or express inner thoughts. on events, or reveal the character's true
intentions.

MR_AB_Deshani Group of Composer

Biography of Christopher Marlowe:
- Born on February 26, 1564, in Canterbury, England.
- Educated at the King's School in Canterbury and later attended Corpus Christi College,
Cambridge.
- Known for his intelligence and controversial beliefs, including alleged involvement in
espionage.
- Died on May 30, 1593, under mysterious circumstances in a tavern brawl in Deptford,
England, at the age of 29.

Important Works of Christopher Marlowe:

- "Tamburlaine" (1587-1588):
A two-part play depicting the rise and fall of the conqueror Timur.
- "Doctor Faustus" (c. 1589):
A tragic play exploring the consequences of selling one's soul to the devil.
- "The Jew of Malta" (c. 1589):
A dark comedy about a Jewish merchant seeking revenge against his enemies.
- "Edward II" (c. 1592):
A historical tragedy focusing on the reign and downfall of King Edward II of England.
- "The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus" (c. 1594):
A posthumously published version of Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus," edited by other
playwrights.

MR_AB_Deshani Group of Composer