Modern Drama: The Revival of Drama
Introduction After Shakespeare and his contemporaries, English drama faced a decline for two centuries. Even prominent figures like Congreve, Sheridan, and Goldsmith couldn't restore its former glory during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The revival occurred in the late nineteenth century, marking a new era for English drama. Factors Contributing to Revival Influence of Ibsen Ibsen, the Norwegian dramatist, inspired English dramatists like Bernard Shaw. Shaw discussed serious social and moral issues sensibly, marking the rise of the Comedy of Ideas or Purpose. Prevailing Cynical Atmosphere The cynicism of the time allowed Oscar Wilde to mock Victorian moral assumptions. This atmosphere led to the revival of the Comedy of Manners or Artificial Comedy. Transformation of Serious Drama Influenced by Ibsen, English drama from 1890 onwards focused on human emotions and relatable themes. Dramatists shifted from melodramatic romanticism to portraying real English life across different socia…