Class notes (10/25-10/29)

Drama
-both an auditory and visual medium
-generally performed
-tries to create a illusion of reality "verisimilitude"
-meant to be seen or read in all one sitting
Tragedy
-in general, involves the downfall of the main characters
Comedy
-lighter drama where the main characters overcome difficulties the temporarily fall on them
-generally humorous
Melodrama
-blend of the serious action of a tragedy with the happy ending of a comedy
-clearly defined "good" conquers "evil"
Tragi-comedy
-like a melodrama but is much more developed and deals with more complex ideas
-more likely to contain humor
Problem Play
-drama of social criticism that discusses social, economic, or political issues
Farce
-when a comedy involves ridiculous complications without regard for human values
Comedy of Manners
-comedy that wittily portrays fashionable life
Domestic/Bourgeois Drama
-serious play that deals with ordinary people
Theater of the Absurd
-presents a world that cannot be explained