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

Neoclassical Drama/ Theatre By Vanessa Molden Western High School

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

RULE #1: Purity of Dramatic Form Complete separation of COMEDY and TRAGEDY according to classical tradition. 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

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

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

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 Playwrights are expected to focus not on the details of individual characters, but on the universal and permanent aspects of humanity

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

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

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

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

Reading Satire Jonathan Swift was an author who was writing during the Neoclassical Period. Jonathan Swift was an author who was writing during the Neoclassical Period. Like Moliere, much of Swift’s work is considered SATIRE. 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. 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. 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