British Drama

British Drama

Studying British Drama? Do you find Reading Literature onerous? Literary terms, eras, authors, their life, seem confusing? You are landed at the right place, where all this stuff will be served in an easy way. 

Now, let’s begin with the Renaissance / Elizabethan Era. This period is considered as the Golden Age in English History. 

It spans between 1553 and 1603. Queen Elizabeth reigned England, and she was the most influential lady, so this era was named after her name. Arts and Literature were flourishing because England was at peace and prosperity.

The best works of prominent Dramatists Marlowe, Shakespeare and Jonson, took British Drama, to its peak.  

If we consider, the parts of the 17th and 19th century, and the whole of the 18th century, the focus was more on Poetry and novels rather than on Drama. In the latter part of this section, we have included those playwrights as well who lived and wrote from the 19th century to the 20th century. For sure, we will put light on Poetry as well but, in a separate section, so for now, let’s focus on British Drama. In our discussion, the impeccable dramatists, which were the representatives of their age, will be given priority. Their best works will be evaluated, as per the different aspects of literature.

The English Drama was originated, with the notion of religious plays which included mystery and miracle plays. If we talk about the Mystery plays, so in simple words, these were Biblical stories presented, in a grand manner. The Miracle plays were the enactment of the saint’s life.

During The 15th century, Allegory replaced the religious content, called Moralities, of these plays.  The characters of these plays were in the form of abstractions like LOVE, LIFE, DEATH, GREED, REPENTANCE etc. 

Time To Check Your Knowledge:

Which was the first actual play with the regular plot?

In the year 1553, a comedy named Ralph Roister Doister, written by Nicholas Udall was considered as first genuine play with a regular plot, further divided into acts and scenes. After this, he wrote one more comedy, named Gammar Gurtan’s Needle.

Which was the first tragedy?

Gorbuduc was the first tragedy which was written by Thomas Sackville and Thomas Norton, in 1561.

Commenced as comic elements which were introduced to keep the audience in good humour, the culture of Interludes later took the form of a regular dramatic composition. It was prevalent at that time.

Literary Terms

1.Renaissance Period-It is believed, during this period, European society revived Classical philosophy and values. Thinkers of this time were inclined towards their past culture. It was necessary to bring back Classic culture values for maintaining Fine fettle of society. Thinkers of the time were against the notion of the middle ages which totally declined ancient classic cultural values.