Sensibility

Definition

Sensibility refers to an emotional responsiveness or sensitivity that emphasizes the capacity to feel, perceive, and empathize with the emotions of others. This concept became particularly significant in the context of dramatic works during the rise of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy, as it highlights the importance of personal feelings and moral sentiments in storytelling, fostering a deeper connection between characters and audiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sensibility played a pivotal role in shaping the themes and character development in both sentimental comedies and domestic tragedies, often emphasizing the inner emotional lives of characters.
2. Writers began to depict characters who displayed deep feelings and moral dilemmas, resonating with audiences' own emotions and experiences.
3. The rise of sensibility coincided with societal changes that encouraged a focus on personal feelings, moving away from purely rational or heroic depictions in theatre.
4. In sentimental comedy, characters often experience uplifting resolutions through emotional revelations, while domestic tragedy typically portrays the consequences of sensibility unchecked by reason.
5. Sensibility ultimately contributed to a shift in theatrical storytelling, making it more relatable by grounding narratives in genuine human experiences and emotions.

Review Questions

• How does sensibility enhance character development in sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy?
  • Sensibility enhances character development by allowing playwrights to explore complex emotional landscapes within their characters. In sentimental comedy, characters often undergo emotional journeys that reveal their vulnerabilities, leading to growth and understanding. In domestic tragedy, sensibility highlights the consequences of unchecked emotions, showcasing the downfall of characters who are overwhelmed by their feelings. This emphasis on emotional depth creates a stronger connection between the audience and the characters.
• Analyze how the emergence of sensibility influenced the themes present in dramatic works during this period.
  • The emergence of sensibility significantly shifted thematic focus in dramatic works towards emotional authenticity and moral dilemmas. Playwrights began to explore themes like love, compassion, and the human experience through emotionally charged narratives. In this context, both sentimental comedies and domestic tragedies reflect society's evolving understanding of human emotions and ethics. This change allowed audiences to engage more deeply with the moral sentiments presented on stage, reinforcing their own emotional responses.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of sensibility on modern theatrical practices and audience engagement.
  • The lasting impact of sensibility on modern theatrical practices can be seen in how contemporary plays continue to prioritize emotional depth and character relatability. Today's playwrights often draw upon themes of empathy and moral complexity that resonate with audiences, encouraging them to reflect on their own feelings. The emphasis on emotional storytelling has created a lasting bond between theatergoers and performers, ensuring that stories remain relevant and impactful across generations. This evolution highlights how sensibility has fundamentally shaped our understanding of drama as a means of exploring shared human experiences.

Related terms

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, which plays a crucial role in creating emotional connections in sentimental narratives.

Sentimentalism: A literary movement that emphasizes emotion, particularly love and compassion, over reason, significantly influencing both sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy.

Moral Sentiment: The feelings that guide ethical decision-making and social interactions, often depicted in characters' emotional struggles in sentimental dramas.