Correct option is D
"The Playwright as Thinker" (C) by Eric Bentley (1946): This influential work by Eric Bentley explores the intellectual and philosophical aspects of playwriting, examining the thought processes and ideas behind the works of prominent playwrights.
"The Theater of the Absurd" (B) by Martin Esslin (1961): Martin Esslin's book introduced the concept of the "Theater of the Absurd" and analyzed the works of playwrights like Beckett, Ionesco, and Genet. It explores the themes of existentialism and absurdity in modern drama.
"The Theatre of Revolt" (A) by Robert Brustein (1964): In this book, Robert Brustein examines the works of playwrights who challenged traditional theatrical norms and engaged in revolutionary and experimental forms of theater, fostering a sense of revolt.
"Modern Drama in Theory and Practice" (E) by L. N. Styan (1981): L. N. Styan's work provides a comprehensive overview of modern drama, offering both theoretical insights and practical guidance for understanding and staging modern plays.
"Modern American Drama" (D) by C.W.E. Bigsby (1992): This book by C.W.E. Bigsby focuses specifically on American drama in the modern era, analysing the works of prominent American playwrights and their contributions to the theatrical landscape.
This sequence reflects the development of theater and drama criticism in the 20th century, showcasing the evolving ideas and approaches to understanding and interpreting modern drama.
Information Booster:
The Playwright as Thinker argued that modern theatre should be taken as seriously as poetry and the novel in literary criticism.
The Theater of the Absurd not only coined the term but also linked post-war disillusionment with radical theatrical experimentation.
The Theatre of Revolt grouped playwrights such as Ibsen, Strindberg, Brecht, and Genet into a lineage of theatrical insurgency.
Styan’s Modern Drama in Theory and Practice is often used as a foundational text in theatre studies courses because it merges theory with stage methodology.
Bigsby’s Modern American Drama is part of a larger scholarly project on American theatre, and it situates playwrights in the context of political, racial, and gender discourse in the 20th century.
Additional Knowledge:
Bentley’s intellectual framing influenced later critics to treat theatre as a form of philosophy in action.
Esslin’s “Absurd” has been debated, with some playwrights resisting the label, but the concept remains a cornerstone in theatre studies.
Brustein’s work reflects the 1960s’ spirit of challenging authority, paralleling political and cultural upheavals.
Styan’s approach was interdisciplinary, incorporating acting theory, stage design, and dramaturgy alongside literary analysis.
Bigsby’s scholarship has been vital in chronicling the evolution of American drama from post-WWII realism to postmodern experimentation.
English
10 Questions
20 Marks
12 Mins
