Human nature

Definition

Human nature refers to the inherent characteristics, including thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, that define what it means to be human. It encompasses the universal traits and tendencies that drive individuals, shaping their actions and interactions with others. This concept is often explored in literature, especially in plays, to examine moral dilemmas, societal roles, and the complexity of the human experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Major playwrights like Sophocles and Shakespeare often used their works to explore the complexities of human nature, portraying characters who grapple with moral choices and personal conflicts.
2. Human nature is central to the themes of tragedy, where characters face dire consequences as a result of their inherent flaws or societal pressures.
3. In many significant works, such as 'Oedipus Rex' or 'Hamlet', the exploration of human nature leads to profound insights into identity, ambition, and the struggle between fate and free will.
4. Playwrights often utilize dialogue and characterization to reflect human emotions and instincts, offering audiences a mirror to their own experiences and struggles.
5. The portrayal of human nature in plays invites audiences to reflect on their own lives, fostering empathy and understanding through shared experiences depicted on stage.

Review Questions

• How do major playwrights use the concept of human nature to develop themes in their works?
  • Major playwrights like Sophocles and Shakespeare utilize the concept of human nature to delve into themes of morality, identity, and the consequences of personal choices. By creating complex characters who embody various aspects of human nature, these playwrights enable audiences to explore profound questions about existence, ethics, and societal roles. The struggles faced by these characters resonate deeply with viewers, prompting them to reflect on their own lives and decisions.
• Discuss the role of tragedy in illustrating human nature within significant works of drama.
  • Tragedy serves as a powerful medium for illustrating human nature by depicting characters who confront moral dilemmas and face catastrophic consequences due to their inherent flaws or circumstances. Plays such as 'Oedipus Rex' highlight how tragic heroes are often victims of their own decisions or fate, showcasing the darker aspects of human nature. This exploration not only evokes empathy from the audience but also encourages reflection on the universal themes of suffering and redemption that define the human experience.
• Evaluate how characterization in plays reflects different facets of human nature and influences audience perception.
  • Characterization is essential in reflecting different facets of human nature in plays, as it shapes how audiences perceive and connect with the characters. Through detailed character development, playwrights reveal motivations, emotions, and conflicts that resonate with viewers' own experiences. This connection allows audiences to engage with complex issues like morality and identity more deeply. By understanding characters' struggles with their inherent traits, audiences are prompted to evaluate their own behaviors and decisions within a broader societal context.

Related terms

Tragedy: A dramatic genre that portrays human suffering, often highlighting moral conflicts and the consequences of human actions.

Catharsis: The emotional release experienced by audiences through their engagement with dramatic narratives, particularly in tragedy.

Characterization: The method by which playwrights create and develop characters, revealing their motivations and traits that reflect aspects of human nature.