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Realism Theatre Essay

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Realism is the movement toward representing reality as it is, in art. Realistic drama is an attempt to portray life on stage, a movement away from the conventional melodramas and sentimental comedies of the 1700s. It is expressed in theatre through the use of symbolism, character development, stage setting and storyline and is exemplified in plays such as Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House and Anton Chekhov's The Three Sisters. The arrival of realism was indeed good for theatre as it promoted greater audience involvement and raised awareness of contemporary social and moral issues. It also provided and continues to provide a medium through which playwrights can express their views about societal values, attitudes and morals. A Doll's …show more content…

Thus drama became an experience closely impinging on the conscience of the audience. Ibsen was also unique for his use of symbolism to assist realism on stage. Symbolic significance is presented through the detail of design, props and actions of the characters. For example, in Act III, Nora goes offstage to get changed; "I'm changing. No more fancy dress". It is a symbolic representation of her personal change, one where she has come to the realization that she has been living the life of a doll, confined to the roles of a
"featherbrain", "plaything", "dove",
"skylark" and "songbird". Thus, symbolism enhanced realism, and its effect can be seen as positive in the sense that it stirred conscious awareness of values. The stage settings of A Doll's House are an integral part of the theatrical design, and not mere décor to be overlooked. The setting in
Act II; "…the Christmas tree stands stripped of its decorations and with its candles burnt to stumps" is symbolic of the lack of happiness in Nora's life at that moment. Also the change of setting in Act III; "The tables and chairs have been moved centre" foreshadows a character change that will take place in Nora. The many references to doors also have significance beyond the stage directions. The play begins with the opening of the door and finishes with the "slamming" of the door. Nora enters the doll's house with the values of society and departs from it, symbolizing her rejection of

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