Aristotelian Elements of Drama

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Aristotelian Elements of Drama
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Source

• The Poetics b/w 335-323 BC
• a documentation of early forms of drama and the
  winning plays of festivals
• Includes Aristotle's thoughts on what the drama
  should consist of and what aspects are the most
  important
• Established the 3 unities a source for much
  inspiration and controversy. His unities sparked
  a critical dialogue about drama and its
  characteristics

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The 3 Unities

• Unity of time-
• the world of a drama should last no longer than
  a 24 hour period or one day
• Unity of Place-
• A play should take place in one locale
• Unity of Action-
• a play should have one major arc of action- one
  plot

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The Elements (in order of importance according to
Aristotle)

• 1. Plot- what happens in the play and
• the arrangement of the dramatic action
• The what of the play.
• 2. Character- the people/animals/things that
  carry out the dramatic action
• The who of the play. Plot/character are
  interrelated!
• Aristotle also felt that all characters should be
  of heightened status.

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• 3. Theme (Thought)- the central idea or message
  of the play.
• What is the purpose of the dramatic action? What
  are the intentions of the playwright? What does
  the dramatic action add up to?
• The why of the play.
• 4. Diction (Language)- the words chosen for the
  characters.
• Since all characters should be of high status,
  then what kind of language should they use?
• What other factors determine the language of a
  character?
• Shakespeare fits the language to the status of
  the character
• The how of the play.

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• 5.Music-
• everything that is heard
• The Italians in the Renaissance were stumped by
  this at first
• Like??
• Actual music, purpose?
• What else is heard in the theatre?
• 6. Spectacle-
• everything that is seen
• Like??