Heroic drama

Definition

Heroic drama is a genre of theatre that emerged during the late 17th century, characterized by its grand themes, noble characters, and a focus on honor and heroism. This form of drama often combines elements of tragedy and romance, presenting epic narratives that typically revolve around heroic figures facing significant moral and personal dilemmas. It reflects the values and ideals of the Restoration period, emphasizing the complexity of human emotions and the struggles for honor and virtue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Heroic dramas often featured larger-than-life characters, usually from noble backgrounds, who faced extraordinary challenges and dilemmas.
2. The structure of heroic drama typically includes a series of dramatic confrontations leading to a climactic resolution, showcasing the struggle between good and evil.
3. Prominent playwrights associated with heroic drama include John Dryden and Nathaniel Lee, who wrote plays that combined elements of tragedy with heroic narratives.
4. The use of elevated language and poetic forms was common in heroic dramas, enhancing their grandeur and emotional intensity.
5. Heroic drama reflected the changing societal values of the Restoration era, emphasizing individualism, honor, and personal virtue in response to earlier classical traditions.

Review Questions

• How do heroic dramas differ from other forms of drama in terms of character development and themes?
  • Heroic dramas stand out from other forms of drama through their focus on grand themes such as honor, bravery, and moral dilemmas faced by noble characters. Unlike standard comedies or tragedies that may emphasize ordinary life or individual flaws, heroic dramas elevate their protagonists to a larger-than-life status. This allows for deeper explorations of virtue and sacrifice while also showcasing dramatic confrontations between good and evil.
• Discuss the significance of language and style in heroic drama compared to Restoration comedy.
  • Language and style play crucial roles in heroic drama, with playwrights employing elevated language, poetic forms, and rhetorical devices to enhance emotional impact and create a sense of grandeur. This contrasts with Restoration comedy, which is characterized by witty dialogue and colloquial speech. While both genres reflect societal norms of their time, heroic drama aims to evoke feelings of nobility and virtue through its stylistic choices.
• Evaluate how heroic drama reflects the cultural shifts occurring during the Restoration period in England.
  • Heroic drama serves as a mirror to the cultural shifts during the Restoration period by highlighting themes of individualism, personal honor, and the complexities of human emotion. As England transitioned from Puritanical constraints to a more liberated society, this genre embraced narratives that celebrated human strength and virtue. The emphasis on noble protagonists confronting ethical dilemmas illustrates the Restoration's evolving values regarding morality, identity, and societal expectations.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy: A genre of comedy that developed during the Restoration period, marked by witty dialogue, sexual intrigue, and a focus on the manners and morals of the upper class.

Tragedy: A dramatic genre that typically involves serious themes and culminates in the downfall of its protagonist due to fate, moral weakness, or a tragic flaw.

Sentimental Comedy: A type of comedy that emerged in the 18th century, focusing on emotional appeal and moral lessons rather than wit and satire.