Theatre of the Absurd: origins, ideas, influences, and dramatic form

All flashcards

What is the Theatre of the Absurd?

A modern dramatic style, associated especially with postwar plays, that presents existence as difficult to explain or give purpose to. It often uses unconventional structure, illogical events, and failed communication.

What was Martin Esslin’s contribution?

Esslin popularized the term Theatre of the Absurd in his 1960 essay and used it to discuss playwrights whose works shared important themes and theatrical features.

How is absurdity understood in this dramatic context?

It describes the tension between human beings’ desire for purpose and a world that seems not to provide a clear purpose, goal, or explanation.

What is a circular structure?

A plot structure in which the ending returns to, or closely resembles, the starting point. It can suggest that characters are trapped in repetition rather than moving toward resolution.

Name three common features of absurdist plays.

Examples include breakdowns in communication, illogical speech or events, repetitive routines, circular plots, and comedy mixed with tragic or frightening images.

Quiz questions

1. What does the term Theatre of the Absurd describe?Answer: A dramatic style exploring existence as difficult to explain or give purpose to.
2. Who popularized the term Theatre of the Absurd in a 1960 essay?Answer: Martin Esslin.
3. What distinguishes much absurdist drama from a philosophical system such as Sartrean existentialism?Answer: It stages failed explanation without prescribing a clear doctrine or solution.
4. How can a circular plot contribute to an absurdist play?Answer: It can return to the opening situation, emphasizing repetition or lack of progress.
5. Which four playwrights were presented as defining figures in Esslin’s account before Pinter was added in later editions?Answer: Samuel Beckett, Arthur Adamov, Eugène Ionesco, and Jean Genet.