What are the essential elements of drama? What do you expect to see when you go to a play?

script: character plot dialogue stage directions what else?

performance: stage set costumes lighting audience what else?

Traditionally, some plays have been classified as TRAGEDY and some as COMEDY.

One rather simplistic definition says that a tragedy ends in a death, while a comedy ends in a marriage.

What else is typical of these genres What else is typical of these genres? Please brainstorm a list of ELEMENTS OF TRAGEDY and a list of ELEMENTS OF COMEDY.

What about the purposes of TRAGEDY and COMEDY What about the purposes of TRAGEDY and COMEDY? Aristotle said the purpose of tragedy was catharsis…

In a tragedy we watch a tragic hero—a noble but flawed figure—go through a process that leads to his downfall.

Through our feelings of pity and fear for the tragic hero, we go through a cathartic crisis that purifies us of built-up emotion.

Aristotle believed that this catharsis was necessary for the health of society.

In modern society, we may still feel this emotional release, but tragedies also often address other important social issues, revealing injustice or exploring important aspects of human relationships.

The purpose of comedy, of course, is to make us laugh The purpose of comedy, of course, is to make us laugh! But this laughter can also be used for serious purposes. Comedy is often used for purposes of social satire or political commentary.

Traditionally, tragedy and comedy have been considered separate genres Traditionally, tragedy and comedy have been considered separate genres. So what would a TRAGICOMEDY be?

“Act Without Words II” is a short (10-minute) play by Samuel Beckett “Act Without Words II” is a short (10-minute) play by Samuel Beckett. As you watch it, think about what elements of drama it omits and which ones it preserves.

Also consider whether you would categorize it as a tragedy, as a comedy…or maybe as a tragicomedy.