Literature is a form of writing that can be performed on a stage, in front of an audience, by the actors. In literature, the novels and poetry are characterized by dialogue, stage directions and action, whereas the plays present stories in real time. It is considered as one of the dynamic and impactful formats of art, plays, which allow to use live performance to explore intricate emotions, relationships and societal issues.
Plays hinge on the dialogue, monologue and stage direction, wherein the characters perform written scenes before the audience. They unfold through action and speech rather than through narrative description. Plays allow the audience to experience emotions, conflicts, and resolutions. This form of literature is also known for its immediacy, intimacy and interactive experience where the actors and the audience are interrelated.
History of Play
Plays have historical origin that goes back to the Ancient Greece (circa 5th century BCE). The Greeks are recognized for creating the two primary genres of the play, i.e. tragedy and comedy.
The early plays, performed in outdoor amphitheaters, were necessary to religious and social life. They were often based on myths, legends and historical events.
The Romans adapted Greek traditions and also added their own to develop elaborate performances that featured themes of heroism and satire.
After a decline in theatrical activity, the medieval morality plays were emerged during the early middle ages to teach moral lessons using allegorical characters for virtues and vices.
In England, William Shakespeare was a major figure in the golden age of drama, who expanded the emotional and thematic range of plays.
During this period, Commedia dell’arte, from Italy, was also known for his improvisational techniques and stock characters as contributions to the theatrical tradition.
Elements of a Play
Every play comprises of numerous aspects that shape its storytelling and performance:
- Plot: The sequence of events that emerge on the stage.
- Characters: Individuals who lead the plot through their dialogues and actions.
- Dialogue: The exchange of words between the characters. The dialogues reveal personalities, motives and conflicts.
- Stage Directions: These are instructions written by the playwright that express settings, character movements and tone.
- Theme: The main idea or message of the play, which writer wants to convey to the audience.
- Setting: The location and time in which the action occurs.
- Conflict: It is a struggle between the characters or forces, which launches the plot.
These elements are interlinked with one another. They create the structure of the play and determine that how the play is performed and interpreted.
Kinds of Plays
Plays are classified by genres and purposes. They are used to categorize plays which yield a different experience to the audience. Below are some of the most famous kinds of plays, with examples of the distinctive form.
1- Tragedy
A tragedy is a dramatic play, which narrates the story of a heroic figure, experiencing a tragic end, usually because of a flaw in character or an inexorable fate. Tragedies are designed to elicit pity and fear, which results into a catharsis or emotional release in the audience.
Example
The play “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare is one of English literature’s greatest tragedies. It follows Prince Hamlet in his descent into madness, as he seeks revenge against his uncle, who murdered the father of Hamlet. The downfall of Hamlet comes through his indecisiveness, which is a tragic flaw.
“To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune…”
This famous soliloquy captures Hamlet’s existential struggle and the sense of doom that permeates the play.
2- Comedy
A comedy is a humorous play that is structured to amuse and entertain the audience. In many comedies, the characters are usually mistaken identities, funny situations and clever dialogue. Normally they end on a happy note with the conflict explained and the characters reconciled.
Example
The play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by Shakespeare is a well known example of a comedy, a story with mixed humans and supernatural characters who become entangled in love and confusion. The themes of love, fantasy and transformation are emphasized by the play’s humorous misunderstandings and playful language.
“Lord, what fools these mortals be!”
This line uttered by Puck captures the play’s whimsical and comedic tone.
3- Farce
A farce is a form of comedy. It is basically a sub genre of comedy, having exaggerated situations, physical humour and absurd characters. Farce typically consists of impossible events, slapstick humor and quick action to create laughter with chaotic and overstated situations.
Example
In the play “The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde”, the characters play escape social obligations to invent fake identities. The play is comically absurd because of this situation.
“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
This line indicates Wilde’s wit and the play’s humorous approach to serious topics like identity and honesty.
4- Melodrama
A melodrama is a genre with increased drama and clear moral distinctions that relies on plot driven storytelling. It tends to portray a virtuous hero overcoming villainy and adversity, rather than intellectual themes, and does so with the appeal of emotion.
Example
One of the most well known classic melodramas is “Octoroon” by Dion Boucicault, which reflects the themes of race and injustice in pre Civil War America. It employs emotional appeal, and exaggerated characters, to get the message across.
“They say that every human being has a right to liberty.”
This line embodies the play’s focus on moral issues and its melodramatic tone.
5- Tragicomedy
They blend tragedy and comedy to become a tragic comedy. The plays deal with serious themes and incorporate humor or ironic twist, which are as realistic as real life itself: joy and sorrow are always close to each other.
Example
The play “The Merchant of Venice” by Shakespeare is tragic comedy. It includes comic and a happy resolution for most of the characters, but it also explores darker themes of prejudice, justice and revenge, in particular, Shylock.
“The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.”
This line, spoken by Portia, captures the play’s exploration of mercy and justice.
6- Historical Play
Historical plays dramatize events and people from history. While liberties may be taken in these plays, they are based on actual historical events and provide audience with the opportunity to view the past. It also explores the themes of power, loyalty and human ambition.
Example
The historical play “Henry V” by Shakespeare is about the life of King Henry V of England and his part in the Battle of Agincourt. The major themes addressed in the play are leadership, honor and patriotism.
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;”
Henry’s rallying cry captures the patriotic fervor and heroism that define the play.
See also: Examples of Proverb in Literature
7- Absurdist Play
The absurd play primarily focuses on the meaningless or chaotic aspects of human existence. The narrative and dialogue in these plays are often disjointed and illogical, reflecting the existential philosophy of life having no inherent meaning.
Example
One of the most renowned absurdist plays is the “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett which revolves around two characters named Vladimir and Estragon who continually wait for a person called Godot who never appears.
“Nothing to be done.”
This line frequently repeated throughout the play, which emphasizes its themes of futility and existential despair.
8- Morality Play
Medieval drama that teaches moral lessons through allegorical characters usually depicting virtues, vices, and salvation is called a morality play. During the Middle Ages, these plays became popular in Europe and usually had religious or ethical themes.
Example
One of the best known is “Everyman”, an anonymous morality play. In the play, death visits Everyman and finds he has no companions to take him to his judgment, but finds out that his good deeds only will follow him.
“O Death, thou comest when I had thee least in mind.”
This line reflects the play’s moral about the inevitability of death and the importance of living a virtuous life.
9- Musical
Musical is a type of theater in which the scenes are acted out with dialogue, acting, singing and dancing. Most people associate musicals with the songs, which may intensify emotional moments or advance the plot. They are immensely popular for being able to entertain, and to bring out emotions from a combination of art forms.
Example
A famous musical that’s based on Victor Hugo’s novel, Les Misérables explores concepts of justice, redemption and revolution. Songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream” or “Do You Hear the People Sing?” They enhance the emotional impact and drama of the story.
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
This line encapsulates the musical’s themes of hope and resilience
10- One-Act Play
A one act play is a short play, usually performed in one act — without intermissions. This format permits concise storytelling and says one story about one event or one moment in the lives of the characters.
Example
The famous example of one-act play is “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell, which explores gender roles and justice. It is a detective story about a murder investigation, and the little things, the “trifles” that reveal the truth.
“We call it—knot it, Mr. Henderson.”
This line symbolizes the subtle but powerful revelations found within small details, particularly those noticed by the women characters.
See also: Literary Devices That Start With P
