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Modern Drama – An Introduction

By Asad Imran
February 17, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Industrialization was a minor factor

Characteristics of Modern that propelled the writers’ shift from
Drama classical dramas to form the modern
ones.
To simply put, the modern drama is
the rejection of the already First World War proved the most
established Elizabethan and important factor behind the
Greecian standards. Ibsen is the establishment of modern dramas.
father of modern drama. Common people and writers had
never experienced such bloodshed
Modern drama introduces the
at a mass scale. They started to
themes of its own. Unlike classical
question the role of politics,
dramas that promoted the themes of
economics and religion on their
fate, it made the role of fate
social as well as personal lives.
irrelevant.
Auch behaviour can be easily traced
Modern drama gives a huge chunk in the writings of these modern
of significance to the people of the dramatists.
lower class, working on wages.
The 3rd influence behind writing
While the older dramas showed the
modern dramas is considered to be
characters belonging to the class of
the psychological complex that was
nobility.
introduced by Sigmund Freud. This
Influences Which Affected psychological complex deals with

Modern Dramatists the role of subconscious instinct in

making decisions at the conscious and economics. They were in the
level. He argues that Oedipus had view of:
married his mother unknowingly but
Your fate does not punish you.
at the subconscious level, he may
Our new institutions are new gods.
have shown the desire to marry his
mother at sone point. As life has Surrealism: This literary movement
grown from simple to complex, so was rin against the first world war.
do the modern dramatists. The They believed that political and
influence of subconscious instinct economical instability was not solely
can be easily traced in their modern responsible for the war. Our
genius. subconscious desires were equally
behind it. They expressed their views
Literary Movements of through painting surrealistic
Modern Drama objects.

Realism: In this literary movement, Dadaism: This literary movement

writers wrote about the common-day came as an aftermath of surrealism

people but they accepted the role of but Dadaists expressed themselves

God and religion in their characters’ through their literary work instead of

lives. painting.

Naturalism: Just like Realists, their Source

setting showcased ordinary
environments with contemporary Lecture of Sir Hassan Akbar
whereabouts. But they challenged
religion and replaced it with politics

Henric Ibsen – An Introduction

By Asad Imran
February 18, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Plays: Brand and Peer Gint

He was born in Norway at 1824.

He is considered a realist, naturalist

The Second Phase: Isben’s second
and existentialist (the one who
phase was centred around
explores the origins of everything).
highlighting social issues of his
His writings also deal with the social society. A Doll’s House is one of the
issues of his time. most prominent plays of this phase.

He gave the idea that a theatre can Ghosts, Enemy of The People are

be more than just a place for also some honourable mentions for

entertainment. this dramatic period.

The Third Phase: In hia third literary

Influences behind his dramas: phase: he wrote in response to the
His Marriage criticism he received. A high
emphasis on symbolism is present
His Leaving Norway
in this phase.
His Love Affair at the age of sixty

Notable Dramas of This Phase:

Isben’s writing career spans from
1850 to 1899. He wrote a significant Lady from the Sea
amount of plays. His dramatic career Hedda Gabler
is divided into these phases: When We Dead Awaken

The first phase: In the first phase, he

wrote plays in verse. Just like Shakespeare, Ibsen also
portrays the good and the bad about
a particular society.

GB Shaw – An Introduction

By Asad Imran
April 10, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

critic of music anr literature,

dramatist, an actor and a socialist.
GB Shaw did not like to be called
Through his pen, he tried to make
George. He, rather wrote his name as
Man capable of putting the myths of
Bernard Shaw.
his forefathers to an intellectual
He was an Irish just like Jonathan
test.
Swift.
He was born in July 26th, 1856 and
Shaw is best known for his plays. In
he died in November 2nd, 1950.
fact, he is known as the second-best
dramatist after Shakespeare. His Life
His plays were controversial since
Shaw did not enjoy a happy
these plays dealt with untalked
childhood because of financial
realities of life. That is why, Oscar
problems.
Wilde had said,
He was taught by his mother and his
“He had no enemies but none of his
uncle. His mother taught him music
friends liked him. “
and she was taught by her friend
He was a multi-dimensional who lived with them.
personality for he was a novelist, a
He worked in a land office for some tbese plays discussed the prohibited
time. topics of that time in public like
prostitution and charity.
His liking of literature, arts and
music was influenced by his mother. Examples of Unpleasant Plays

He was a critic first. Then, he tried to 1. Widower’s Houses

fasten his footsteps as a novelist but 2. Flatterer
his novels were not an instant 3. Mrs. Warren’s Professions
success.
Shaw states his notion of moving to
In 1884, he joined a Fabian Society present “pleasant” plays as thus,
to promote Socialism through his
“If you want people to tell the truth,
pen without any violent revolutions.
make them laugh or else they will kill
It brought his identity as a good
you. “
orator.
Most Popular Plays
Writing Career 1. Man and Superman
2. St. John (a historical play)
Shaw divides his plays into two
3. Doctor’s Dilemma
kinds,
4. Barbara
Pleasant Plays: The plays that dealt 5. Caesar and Cleopatra (a different
with unpleasant ideas or topics in a representation of a
pleasant or a humorous way. Shakespearean play in which
Examples: Shaw gives a true-to-life account
of s romantic girl).
1. Arms and The Man
2. The Man of Destiny GB Shaw is the only literary figure in
3. You never Can Tell the history of English Literature who
won Oscar and Nobel Prize in
Unpleasant Plays: These plays were
literature.
criticized by the society because
Symbols of Pistols, Manuscript and Vine Leaves in
Hedda Gabler

By Asad Imran
May 1, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Introductory
Gabler’s Pistols
Hedda Gabler is one of the finest
creations of Henrik Ibsen, the one Anton Chekhov, a contemporary to
who laid down the foundation of Ibsen once stated that,
modern drama. The play was first
One must not put a loaded rifle on
published in the 1890 while it was
the stage if no one is thinking of
first performed on January 31, 1891
firing it.
in Germany. Hedda Gabler is a story
of a woman who feels insecure in And the play features the very
her conventional society. Hedda maxim justly and appropriately.
seems encaged in her society while Hedda has inherited a pair of the
the men like Judge Brack and exactly looking pistols, that she calls
Loevborg are free enough to form a her “Hero Props”, from her father
triangular relationship with her. The General Gabler. She uses her
effect of the story is magnified handguns as a means to keep men
through the use of symbols. This at arm’s length both figuratively and
play is repeated with symbols: in her real life. Her husband, who is
symbols from Hedda’s pistols to not aware about the life of Hedda,
Loevborg’s Crown of Wine Leaves feels worried about Hedda playing
and to the “child” of both Loevborg with her firearms because she is left
and Thea. Let’s explore each symbol with no other activity to amuse
one by one in detail.
herself. She shows her desire for a Hedda used to keep her “admirers”
horse which Tesman denies due to away. Once, Loevborg tried to have a
his obvious financial uncertainty, sexual dominance over her but she
threatened him to shoot due to his
HEDDA.
misconduct. Also, we see how
And the saddle-horse I was to
Hedda’s pistols become a source for
have had—
Judge Brack to blackmail Hedda to
TESMAN. submit to his illicit desires when he
finds out that it was Hedda’s pistol
The saddle-horse!
that took the life of Loevborg. But
HEDDA. Hedda could not afford to be
—I suppose I must not think of dependent upon a man of shady
that now. character, she said in a triumphant
way,
TESMAN.
I am in your power none the less.
Good heavens, no!—that’s as
Subject to your will and your
clear as daylight!
demands. A slave, a slave then!
And when Hedda reveals her source No, I cannot endure the thought
of amazement to Tasman, he rushes of that! Never!
towards Hedda in anxiety,
To prove her stance, Hedda uses her
No, for heaven’s sake, Hedda pistols as a defence to free herself
darling—don’t touch those from the dirty hands of Brack. Her
dangerous things! For my sake self-killing is a symbol of retaining
Hedda! Eh? her independence.

In the second act, we see Hedda Loevborg’s Manuscript

pointing one of her pistols at Judge
Brack. That is how we learn that how Loevborg’s manuscript holds a
different meaning for different
characters in the play. First of all, the brings Thea and Tesman more
manuscript is a sequel to his History closer to each other. Thus, putting
of Civilization in which he asserts his her own marriage at stake.
predictions for the future and how
societies will change over time. For Tesman’s Stove and Fire
Elnert, his manuscript is a gateway
In the play, Hedda is profoundly
to the acceptance of himself in his
associated with fire which mostly
society and a new start of his social
comes as a result of her jealousy or
life after so many misadventures in
her insecurity. For instance, she
his past. Thea sees the manuscript
rushes towards the stove in Act 1 to
as a result of their joint venture and
protect herself from the slippers of
her victory of reforming Loevborg
Tesman (speaking of Tesman’s old
successfully. She even calls the
slippers, they have been used as a
manuscript their “child” . Which
symbol of Tesman’s past memories
again infuriates Hedda who is
with Aunt Juju and Aunt Rina).
jealous of Thea’s screaming
Hedda is also depicted using the
success. In order to destroy their
stove to burn the manuscript out of
peace, Hedda decides to burn the
her jealousy with Thea. In fact, in her
manuscript in a very spooky
past school days, she used to
dialogue:
threaten Thea to burn her abundant

Now I am burning your child, locks:

Thea!—Burning it, curly-locks!
once you said you would burn it

The manuscript also serves as a off my head.

symbol to acquire a foster father in

So, Hedda’s inner fire of jealousy
the form of Tesman who strives to
gives vent to many mishappenings
reconstruct the burnt manuscript
in the play.
through the help of Thea.
Resultantly, Hedda’s own decision Vine Leaves
Vine leaves are symbolized for the Manifestly, symbolism plays a key
mis-adventures of Loevborg in his role in highlighting Hedda’s inner
past life of drunkenness, his melancholy as well as duality found
relationship with Diana and of within the men of Norwegian society
course the parties. Vine leaves has of that time in the particular play.
been borrowed from a Greek The classical references add up to
mythology linked to Dionysus, a god the figurative beauty of the play.
of wine and fertility who was
depicted wearing a crown of vine Sources and Suggested
leaves on his head. Hedda uses the Readings
very phrase off and on during her
1. Lectures of Sir Hassan Akbar
private conversations with Loevborg.
2. https://www.shmoop.com/study-
In this context, we can say that
guides/literature/hedda-
Hedda’s advice of wearing a crown
gabler/analysis/symbolism-
of vine leaves means that Loevborg
imagery-allegory
should return to his rough past so
3. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/H
that she should be able to fulfil her
Gabler/symbols/
dream of “shaping a man’s destiny”.
4. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/hedd

Conclusion gabler/symbols

Character Sketch of Hedda Tesman Gabler

By Asad Imran
May 2, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Who is Hedda Tesman?

The character of Hedda Gabler or led to many mishaps happening in
Hedda Tesman has always been a the play.
topic of heated discussion among
scholars and literary critics. Some Is Hedda, Tesman or Gabler?
regard her as a neurotic figure while
Hedda is both known as Hedda
others try to justify her boredom.
Gabler and Hedda Tesman in the
Hedda is a complex character with a
play but the prominence lies in the
complex state of mind. Driven by the
first name. The name Hedda Gabler
closely-knit morality of the Victorian
hints at Hedda’s being the daughter
Society. Before discussing at length
of General Gabler. But it also hints at
about her character, first, we have to
her insecure past. That is why, she
trace down who Hedda Tesman or
commands Loevborg to call her
Hedda Gabler actually is?
Hedda Tesman, not Hedda Gabler:

LOVBORG.
Hedda Gabler is the only daughter of
General Gabler. After the death of And I must teach myself never to
her father, she is left alone and say Hedda Gabler again—never,
subjected to the hearsays of her as long as I live.
society. She could have married a
HEDDA.
miss-adventurous person like
Loevborg but her society did not Yes, you must. And I think you

permit her to do so. She married ought to practise in time. The

sooner the better, I should say.
Tesman because of acclaiming
social protection. Hedda is
Thus, it is clear that Hedda does not
manipulative in many ways but her
want to reopen a closed chapter of
manipulation only centres around
her past. But it is noteworthy that the
relieving her boredom. But
married women were not expected
objectively speaking, Hedda’s
to be called by their original names.
attempts of attaining amazement
There was always a reference added about Hedda’s choice of marrying
to the names of their husbands. That George Tesman.
is why, calling Hedda, Hedda
Tesman was more appropriate as a Dark Side of Hedda Gabler
married woman instead of calling
On the surface, Hedda Gabler looks
her Hedda Gabler.
exactly like a vicious character. She
is manipulative, dishonest, hypocrite,
Her Physical Charm
stern-mouthed and jealous. She is
Hedda Tesman boasts some serious jealous of the success of others. For
physical beauty that sets her apart instance, when Thea is successful
from the rest of the crowd. Aunt Juju enough in reforming Loevborg from
and Bartha are the first ones in the his drinking, Hedda, in a fit of
play to be marvelled by her striking jealousy, proclaims:
beauty,
I will burn your hair after all.
Hedda Gabler — the beautiful
Hedda Gabler! Only think of it— Hedda is dishonest in what she says

she, that was so beset with and what she actually does. For

admirers! (Aunt Juju) instance, she asks Tesman to go

and write a long letter to Loevborg.
It is through Aunt Juju we learn that But she opens up her heart to Thea
Hedda’s majestic posture during by telling her that she did so to keep
horse riding amassed a lot of her husband away from her. Tesman
admirers for her. If Hedda had been has bought an expensive and
a man of the Late-Victorian Era, wise, precious house for Hedda but she
charming, bold and of noble-birth, he does not care much about it. She
would have led a boredom-free life. keeps on persuading Tesman that
But still, her attractive personality the house is good but in her private
compels Loevborg to complain conversations, we learn that she
does not pay a heed to what her
husband has purchased out of his Hedda Gabler does look like an
financial limitations. antagonist but every coin has
another side of it as well.
Hedda is stern-mouthed. She does
not have any regards for the feelings
Her Fear of Scandals
of the older people and things
belonging to them. When she sees Hedda is reasonably fearful of
Aunt Juju’s bonnet, Hedda remarks scandals. Why? Simply because she
sternly: wants to retain her good name in the
Victorian society which was
Look there! She (the servant) has
ridiculously conscious of morality.
left her old bonnet lying about on
Hedda married Tesman to avoid
a chair.
scandals that are usually associated
Hedda is utterly manipulative and with an unmarried girl even in our
that adds up to the dark side of her society. Similarly, when Brack finds
character. As stated before, Hedda is out about the pistol that was given
not particularly happy about to Loevborg belonged to Hedda.
Loevborg’s reforms. She knowingly Brack sought an opportunity to
provokes Loevborg to go in manipulate Hedda through her fear
Bachelors Party and to wear a crown of scandals,
of vine leaves. But he fails miserably.
BRACK.
After his failure, Hedda lulls him to
commit suicide; gives him her pistol Well, Hedda—then comes the
and commands him that he should scandal!
“do it beautifully”. How to do it
HEDDA.
beautifully, you may ask: by simply
firing a bullet at his temple (head). The scandal!

But she is disillusioned when her BRACK.

pistol goes off accidentally and kills
Loevborf in the scaffold. Thus,
 Yes, the scandal—of which you remained fearful of society that what
are so mortally afraid. will the society think when they learn
about the relationship between
Hedda’s fear of scandals was a
Hedda and Loevborg? It was her fear
normal act of any woman who
of scandal that provoked her to
belonged to the Victorian Era (or our
threaten Loevborg due to his sexual
society).
advancements.

In Defence of Hedda Gabler This fear is still a ruling factor in the

play for Hedda. She points one of
Before announcing Hedda Gabler as her armguns at Brack to keep him
an apostle of evil, we have to see her away from her. She gives Loevborg
human side first. Her major problem her pistols after he loses the
is her boredom. She herself claims manuscript in his intoxicated
that she is bored to death. The condition only for a reason to put an
women of the Victorian Era were end on the chapter of Loevborg’s
granted little to no freedom as past life and his link with Hedda.
compared to men of that era.
Women were not allowed to take Critics on Hedda Gabler
part in politics. They were not
The character of Hedda has been a
permitted to go into bachelor’s
subject of controversy since its
parties like men. Travelling alone
creation. Some critics come in
was not considered suitable for
favour of Hedda while others do not
them. Their duty was to be a
even hesitate to call her a neurotic
subordinate to their husbands. A
figure. A review in The Ledger reads
woman like Hedda would usually
as thus:
feel bored of her household life. That
is why, she tried to know about the
What a hopeless specimen of
misadventures of men through degeneracy is Hedda Gabler! A
Loevborg in the past. But she
 vicious, heartless, cowardly, certainly not always a pleasant
unmoral, mischief-making vixen. sight. But life, with its infinite
subtleties and inconsistencies, is
Another review in New York Suns always interesting, and Ibsen
ridicules the play as below: shows the wonder and the pity of
it, while perhaps he only infers its
What a marvel of stupidity and
loveliness by contrast. But therein
nonsense the author did produce
he proves himself a master artist,
in this play!
for his point of view is definite,
A review in London Sunday Times and the impression he produces
favours the play and character of is complete and final. In Hedda

Hedda as follows: Gabler he gives us a typical

tragedy of modern life, and in the
Hedda Gabler appears a strange, sensitive, selfish heroine,
wonderful work of art, one that he presents one of the most
must produce a profound wonderful and subtle
impression upon those who will conceptions of woman in the
accustom themselves to regard a whole range of dramatic
stage-play from the point of view literature.
of real, living character in actual
contact with the facts and That long slab of text surely justifies
sensations and possibilities of the legitimacy of this play and
human experience, instead of Hedda’s character.
gauging it by the conventional
Is Hedda’s Suicide Tragic?
standard of playmaking, or the
superficial observation of
The play ends with Hedda
ordinary social intercourse. Ibsen
committing suicide by shooting
has a way of going to the root of
herself in the temple. There can be
the matter, and exposing the
numerous reasons behind her
skeleton in the cupboard, which is
commitment. One can be to prove
her courage; to put an end to her human side of it. Let’s sum it up in
boredom; to not to be “plagued with Ibsen’s own words for Hedda:
any responsibilities” (children in this
What I principally wanted to do
case) and to silence Judge Brack
was to depict human beings,
and his blackmailing. But the
human emotions, and human
question arises, is Hedda’s
destinies, upon groundwork of
committing suicide makes her a
certain of the social conditions
tragic character? The answer is as
and principles of the present day.
complex as her character. Her
suicide is tragic in the sense that her Sources and Suggested
limited exposure in society compels
Readings
her to do questionable deeds. If her
society was lenient towards women, 1. Lectures of Sir Hassan Akbar
such things would not have 2. https://www.shmoop.com/study-
happened. And she could have guides/literature/hedda-
accepted her limitations and lived gabler/hedda-tesman
peacefully but this would drop her 3. http://myenglish62.blogspot.com/
rank as the Hedda Gabler. sketch-of-hedda-gabler.html
4. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/He
Conclusion 5. Literary Criticism – KM Literary
Series – Hedda Gabler – Page
Hedda is a character of great
366
complexity. Despite her inhumane
characteristics, she shows some

Significance of the Title in Hedda Gabler

By Asad Imran
May 3, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

has some positive hidden in her.

Introductory Firstly, she does not fake her
feelings. Hedda says it directly to the
Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler is a play that
characters whom she (hardly) trusts.
hides many meanings as well as a
We have seen in old plays how a
historical context. The title of Hedda
character reveals his inner self
Gabler holds both a reference to
through soliloquies and monologue
Hedda’s personality, her individuality
but Hedda is bold enough to let her
and the social background in which
surroundings know about her true
Hedda was living. The story in
intentions. For instance, she burns
Hedda Gabler is centred around a
the manuscript in isolation but she
Norwegian woman Hedda Gabler
does not hesitate to reveal it to her
who is “bored to death” because she
husband on the pretext of her care
has nothing left to do that would
for him,
make her equal to men.

Tesman.

But how could you do anything so

Hedda’s Personality
unheard-of? What put it into your
The name Hedda Gabler primarily head? What possessed you?
hints at the protagonist of the play Answer me that—eh?
and her personality. Hedda as a
HEDDA.
character is an embodiment of both
good as well as bad qualities. She is I did it for your sake, George.

utterly manipulative; jealous of

So, it is evident that Hedda does not
other’s success as well as hypocrite.
hide her actions but she can fake her
We have talked about her dark side
intentions behind it.
in detail in her character sketch that
you can see here. But Hedda also Hedda’s Individuality
When Ibsen was asked that why did historical background of the era of
he choose Hedda Gabler as a title which the play is a representative of.
for his play, he responded in these Yes, we are alluding to the infamous
words: Victorian Era and its dual standards
of morality. Hedda’s problem is her
My intention in giving it this name
boredom because she is deemed
was to indicate that Hedda as a
unsuitable for the fulfilment of her
personality is to be regarded
“manly” desires. The character and
rather as her father’s daughter
the title of Hedda Gabler indicates at
than as her husband’s wife.
the horrible outcome of the

But the debate is not limited to the limitations that are inflicted upon the

“regard” but to Hedda’s Individuality. women of higher class. Freedom is

Hedda is miles apart from George usually their main concern and when

Tesman in regard to her interests. it is not fulfilled, unfortunate events

Speaking of interests, Hedda does are bound to take place.

not take into consideration the

Conclusion
things that are of great importance
in the eyes of Tesman. That is why Consequently, the title of this play
Hedda abhors Tesman’s slippers. hints directly at the main dramatic
Hedda even dislikes the idea of Aunt personage, her individuality and
Juju that Hedda belongs to the most importantly, the final social
Tesmans. Thus, the play showcases message of this play and the final
the constant struggle of Hedda message is obvious, freedom of
Gabler to separate herself from the occupation and life is essential to
rest of the crowd. run the business of life with ensured
smoothness.
Social Background
Sources and Suggested
“Hedda Gabler” is a title that is a
Readings
stout reference to the social and
1. Lecture of Sir Hassan Akbar gabler/analysis/title
2. https://www.shmoop.com/study-
guides/literature/hedda-

Role of Female Characters in Hedda Gabler

By Asad Imran
May 5, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

play and the historical context

Introductory behind it.

Hedda Gabler, a play most renowned

for its character Hedda and her
Context
quest to end her boredom is often
associated with feminism by many During the 1870s different
critics as well as literary scholars. movements caught fire in Europe,
Although Ibsen did not want to get demanding basic rights. For
this play labelled as a feminist play, instance, in 1871, Denmark led the
yet there are certain elements that Scandinavian countries to establish
hint at the feminist outlook but an organization for the improvement
certain elements defy its feministic of the status of women in their
outlook altogether. To understand respective societies. Even Norway
whether this play is an outcome of had a working organization for
the feminist thoughts or not, we will women in the 1880s. It is said that
have to look at the role of female Ibsen himself contributed to the
characters that are present in the movement. However, he denied any
charge of being a feminist, said he,
 A woman cannot be herself in the present pregnancy. Juju’s decision of
society of the present day, which taking care of invalids may or can
is an exclusively a mescaline directly hint at the possibility of
society, with laws framed by men Juju’s intention of creating a good
and with judicial system that name in the eyes of others. Because
judges feminine conduct from a taking care of the invalids hold a
mescaline point of view. significant social boost as compared
to her decision of living a life of
This statement by Ibsen clearly
isolation. Or Juju just accepted the
demonstrates his not-so-feminist
limitations imposed by her society to
outlook.
do what her society permitted.
Feminism means demanding of
equal rights like those of men and Role of Thea
such scenarios are somewhat
The role of Thea Elvested as a
present in the play, not in
woman both represents the
characters.
acceptance of the boundaries
Role of Aunt Jullia (a.k.a Aunt formulated by society and breaking
Juju) them for the sake of Man in Miss-
adventures. Thea marries an elder
Aunt Juju lead a single life. But with man because the choices provided
a purpose in mind. Her purpose is through her society are limited. But
vividly presented before us in the Thea is couragous enough to break
form of taking care of the invalids. the bond of marriage to become a
Before the marriage of her nephew, source of inspiration for a man of
Aunt Juju took care of her sister, stained personality in his
Rina. After the death of Aunt Rina in corresponding society to give up his
the play, Aunt Juju decides to look meetings with prostitutes and
after another will-be invalid, drinking and to rise back in his
indicating indirectly at Hedda’s society as an author and a prophecy
maker. Thea Elvested also does not Hedda revolted sternly against the
feel shy to work with a married concept of being a housewife after
person like Tesman to reconstruct marriage. She rejected every single
the burnt book. idea that indicated her as her being a
housewife. For instance, she did not
Role of Hedda Gabler like to stay awakened late at night
for her husband’s return from
The role of Hedda Gabler as a
Bachelor’s Party. There is no stouter
woman is not easy. The problem
evidence than Hedda’s disdainment
with Hedda is she does not like the
with her pregnancy. She openly
conventions set by her society but
rejected the idea of being a mother:
she is not courageous enough to
break them because she is afraid of I don’t want any —-
the fear of scandals and society responsibilities.
taking her name in a negative sense.
When Loevborg titles her as “a Here, Responsibilities is used both
coward at heart”, Hedda replies that literally for her upcoming child as
she is not a coward at heart but she well as her domestic duties.
feared society before taking a Hedda wanted to do the work that
stance to kill him. Similarly, Hedda’s was dedicated only to men, for
decision to get married to a “rake” instance, being a horse rider or
like Tesman was not governed by taking part in politics. Hedda is the
her personal liking of him, but of her character that gave the play a semi-
society that made it mandatory for a feminist outlook. But her chief desire
girl of her age to get married. Hedda to “shape a Man’s destiny” did not
herself alluded that her time was up. work out well for her and after being
She could not remain independent caught in her own trap, she ended
for long. But her forced marriage her life, thus setting her role as a
turned out to be the biggest reason courageous woman, defying Brack’s
for her boredom.
maxim that “they don’t do such 1. https://persestudio.org/2018/01/2
things”. what-extent-is-ibsens-hedda-
gabler-a-feminist-play/
Conclusion 2. https://www.shmoop.com/study-
guides/literature/hedda-
The role of female characters in
gabler/themes/women-and-
Hedda Gabler or in any other play of
femininity
Ibsen shows a clear struggle of
3. Gender in Hedda Gabler – KM
women to get abreast of men; to get
Literary Series – Hedda Gabler –
social acceptace in their society and
Page 306
to acquire freedom like men.
4. Lectures of Sir Hassan Akbar
Sources and Suggested
Readings

Hedda Gabler as a (Liberal) Tragedy

By Asad Imran
May 6, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Gabler is a tragedy but of a different

Introduction kind. It is sometimes referred as a
liberal tragedy. Liberal tragedy is a
Hedda Gabler as a dramatic
kind of tragedy in which the
personage has many things in
protagonist is depicted to fight
common to that of a tragic hero.
against the set rules of a society.
From her social responsibility to her
Hedda, in this regard, is a liberal
mortal boredom to her manipulative
tragic heroine because she may not
tactics and to her suicide. Hedda
be acceptable in her society due to drawing-room but in Act 2, we are
her masculine traits. Like many other made noticed about the change that
tragic characters, Hedda suffers the piano has been changed by a
from internal as well as external small writing table, that might be
conflicts. Internal conflicts in the possibly dedicated for Tesman, thus
sense of her boredom and the putting the importance of Hedda
mental agony of being unable to Gabler at the side and we practically
perform the deeds that Hedds see this in action in Act 4 when
herself desired while the external Tesman and Thea are reconstructing
conflicts are the limitations of her the burnt book of Loevborg. Tesman
rigid society upon women of her bluntly says to Hedda that she is no
age. more useful to them:

HEDDA.

Hedda’s Noble Birth Is there nothing I can do to help

you two?
Just like classical tragedies, Hedda
Gabler belongs to a noble family or TESMAN.
the family of the upper class. To No, nothing in the world.
simply put, Hedda is the daughter of
a reverential general known as Peripetia in Hedda Gabler
General Gabler. He leaves behind a
A tragedy is incomplete without the
pair of pistols, a writing desk and a
element of Peripeteia in it. Peripeteia
piano that are also seen in Tesman’s
means the sudden reversal of a
house when Hedda is married to
situation that brings about the tragic
George Tesman. These left-outs
ending of the play or the character.
serve as a decent symbol to carry
Hedda Gabler is no exception in
out different meanings of the play.
regard to Peripeteia. We see in the
For instance, in the setting of Act 1,
play that Hedda wants to shape a
we see Hedda’s piano placed in the
man’s destiny. She cannot exert it questions but for your ease, it is given
upon her husband because she tried below:
and failed. So, Hedda shifts her
The play ends with Hedda
expectations and manipulative
committing suicide by shooting
tactics to newly reformed Loevborg.
herself in the temple. There can be
At first, she coaxes him to go into
numerous reasons behind her
the Bachelor’s party and to have a
commitment. One can be to prove
crown of vine leaves. But in return,
her courage; to put an end on her
he lost the manuscript during the
boredom; to not to be “plagued with
process of excessive drinking. This
any responsibilities” (children in this
distains Hedda but she gives him
case) and to silence Judge Brack
one pistol to die “beautifully”. But the
and his blackmailing. But the
situation changes and the one who
question arises, is Hedda’s
was trying to shape the destiny of a
committing suicide makes her a
person, is herself caught in the trap
tragic character? The answer is as
of dominance. She becomes fully in
complex as her character. Her
control of Judge Brack after he
suicide is tragic in the sense that her
reveals that the pistol that
limited exposure in society compels
accidentally went off, killing
her to do questionable deeds. If her
Loevborg, belonged to her. Hedda
society was lenient towards women,
realized that she could do nothing to
such things would not have
escape from his grip but she found a
happened. And she could have
way to get out of the Peripeteia and
accepted her limitations and lived
it was the suicide.
peacefully but this would drop her
rank as the Hedda Gabler.
Hedda’s Suicide
Conclusion
So far, this topic has already been
discussed in one of the previous The manifestation of the discussion
stated above marks Hedda Gabler as
a tragic play but in the modern 2. https://www.facebook.com/32536
sense. Through the tragic character gabler-a-modern-tragedyhenrik-
of Hedda Gabler, Ibsen wants to ibsens-hedda-gabler-is-a-
emphasize that the female definitive-look-
characters or protagonists can be at-/707404356732005/
equally tragic as men. 3. https://www.shmoop.com/study-
guides/literature/hedda-
Sources and Suggested gabler/analysis/genre
Readings 4. Lectures of Sir Hassan Akbar
5. Hedda Gabler as a Tragedy – KM
1. http://www.askliterature.com/drama/henrik-
Literary Series – Hedda Gabler –
ibsen/hedda-gabler/hedda-gabler-
Page 302
as-tragedy/

Shaw’s Anti-Romantic Ideas about War and Love in

Arms and the Man

By Asad Imran
May 8, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

at Avenue Theatre. The story of this

Introductory play revolves around an unmarried
lady, Raina, a Serbian fugitive
Arms and the Man by George
Bluntschli, Raina’s fiance Sergius and
Bernard Shaw is a well-renowned
Raina’s maidservant, Luka. Each
play for its eye-opening ideas
character represents a different view
debunking traditional viewpoint
on love and war. But Bluntschli and
concerning war and love. The play
appeared in a performance in 1894
Luka are the mouthpiece of Bernard Raina also has her romantic notion
Shaw’s socialist ideas. regarding the role and
characteristics of a soldier.
According to her, a soldier of their
Romantic Ideas about War country is brave, courageous and is
not afraid of death while the soldiers
The play opens with Raina and her
on the opposite line are coward as
mother, Catherine rejoicing over the
well as afraid of death:
victory of Bulgarian soldiers through
the means of Sergius. Their Some soldiers, I know, are afraid
conversation is marked with an of death. (Raina)
intense feeling of patriotism and
Bluntschli comes up as a
enthusiasm for their country and
mouthpiece of Shaw to make us, the
Raina regrets that her gender does
readers acquainted with Shaw’s anti-
not allow her to do the deeds of
romantic ideas about war and to
valour on the battlefield like Sergius,
make Raina realize the true nature of
whom her mother terms as the “idol
war. Bluntschli is a Serbian fugitive
of the regiment”:
who takes shelter in Raina’s room
Our ideas of what Sergius would after the cavalry charge. Bluntschli is
do—our patriotism—our heroic an old but experienced soldier. He
ideals. Oh, what faithless little reflects the true picture of Sergius
creatures girls are!—I sometimes and his rash cavalry charge before
used to doubt whether they were Raina as thus:
anything but dreams. When I
buckled on Sergius’s sword he Ah, perhaps not—of course. Well,
looked so noble: it was treason to it’s a funny sight. It’s like slinging
think of disillusion or humiliation a handful of peas against a
or failure. (Raina) windowpane: first one comes;
then two or three close behind
 him; and then all the rest in a specifically, “higher love”. Raina also
lump. (Bluntschli) exhibits her usual romantic or
remote-to-life perception of love.
He, then demonstrates that it was
What is higher love? According to
Sergius’ luck that made their cavalry
Raina, it is to remember her loved
charge a success as the Serbian
one all the time and to be devoted:
soldiers had run out of ammunition.

Bluntschli’s views on war are And you have never been absent
from my thoughts for a moment.
realistic and bitter. He asserts that
(Very solemnly.) Sergius: I think
all soldiers are afraid to die because
we two have found the higher
they are human beings and fear is
love.
equally present in everyone.
Secondly, he proves that even a But, love as a passion is ridiculed by
cloak can be a formidable weapon to the main protagonists of the play.
control an opponent like Raina to Both Raina and Sergius are paying
prevent her from shouting lest she only a lip service. Raina is seen
should be seen in her nightdress. shifting her attention from the first
Bluntschli also highlights two kinds act when she calls Bluntschli her
of soldiers: Old Soldiers and new “Chocolate Cream Soldier”. While
soldiers. Young soldiers are brave, Sergius is seen flirting with Luka, the
rash and fond of ammunition while maidservant of Raina in the back of
the old ones are mature and take Raina. In the company of Louka,
food along with them because food Sergius admits that he is sick of the
is far essential in war than concept of higher love:
weapons.
Very fatiguing thing to keep up for
Romantic Ideas about Love any length of time, Louka. One
feels the need of some relief after
The second most prominent theme it.
of this play is love or more
It is obvious that both Raina and I would dare to be the equal of my
Sergius are toying with the very inferior.
concept of love.
Louka clearly mocks the mentality of
Love, in this play, is perceived
queens as their option to love
differently through different
someone is limited to princes only.
characters. For Raina, it is a
But she is directly hitting at Sergius
romantic bliss; for Sergius, it is a
for being utterly class conscious in
fatiguing passion; for Luka, it is an
the matters of love. Her single
act of bravery as well as a mean to
dialogue is the soul of the theme of
reduce class distinction while for
love in this play.
Bluntschli, we don’t know for sure
but he surely has a mature opinion Conclusion
on love.
Manifestly, the play Arms and the
Also, we learn from the play that love
Man is a show of Shaw’s anti-
is not limited to the people of the
romantic ideas of war and socialist
higher class. Love is equally
ideas of love. This play is ruled by
appreciated among the people of the
the soul of equality for the theme of
working class. But through the
love and the soul of the reason for
character of Louka, we grasp the
the theme of war.
idea that love can be a binding force
for the upper and lower class. She Sources and Suggested
courageously announces before Readings
Sergius:
1. https://tanvirdhaka.blogspot.com/
I would marry the man I loved, treatment-of-love-and-war-in-
which no other queen in Europe arms.html
has the courage to do. If I loved
2. https://literaryocean.com/g-b-
you, though you would be as far
shaws-attitude-to-war-love-
beneath me as I am beneath you,
 marriage-and-money-in-arms-and- maturity
the-man/ 4. Lectures of Sir Hassan Akbar
3. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/arms-
and-the-man/themes/youth-vs-

Shaw as a Socialist in Arms and the Man

By Asad Imran
May 11, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

demonstrates the rise of the

Introductory working-class as well as the
hypocrisy of the upper class. Let’s
Socialism, in this play, means
discuss them in detail:
equality among the people of the
higher class as well as the people of
the lower class. Shaw himself had
Hypocrisy of Upper Class
been an active member of the
Fabian Society, a society dedicated Arms and the Man is the play that
to the promotion of socialism. Shaw particularly shows how the people of
used his pen and speeches as a the upper class can be hypocrite
medium to encourage people to even to the ones close to them. The
accept socialism. So, this play is an prime example of hypocrisy can be
extension to Shaw’s very cause. The cited from the relationship of “higher
play exhibits the division of upper love” that is observed between Raina
and working class through the likes and Sergius is merely an eyewash.
of Raina-Sergius and Louka- Both of them are trying to dupe each
Bluntschli pair respectively. The play other. Raina, who claims that the
thought of Sergius had never been the Petkoffs, they will open up their
absent from her mind for a moment, own business,
forgets about him abruptly when a
I shall always be dependent on
fugitive enters into their house
the good will of the family. When I
threatening her to keep silent. If we
leave their service and start a
flip the picture to Sergius, the one
shop in Sofia, their custom will be
who also claims “If you are away five
half my capital: their bad word
minutes, it will seem five hours. “, it
would ruin me. (Nikola)
takes him one minute to start his
flirtation with Louka and to proclaim It is obvious that Nikola’s muffled
that the concept of higher love was hypocrisy is looking ahead for a
fatiguing. Thus, the duality of faces bright future. But through the
found among the people of the character of Louka, Shaw wants to
upper class has been revealed by demonstrate that the feelings and
Bernard Shaw. emotions of the people of the
working-class are as important and
Rise of Working Class
magnificent as those of the people

The hypocritic behaviour is not of the elite class. That is why, we

limited to the aristocratic class only. find Shaw, giving an equal spotlight

In fact, it is equally present among to the people serving people as

the people of the lower class. compared to the playwrights of

Realistically speaking, it is through previous times.

the means of hypocrisy towards the As mentioned before, Louka is a

upper class of the working class to dramatic personage (character) who
climb the ladder of society. For has been used as a symbol of
instance, Nikola advises Louka to dignity and independence. Louka’s
stay calm because, through the advanced hand is rejected to be
money, they have been getting from kissed by Sergius at first but she
withdraws it with dignity. As for
seeking independence and climbing stuffed in the Shawian Socialist
the social ladder, Louka does her Equality that is not “Romantic”.
best to impress Sergius through her
glorified but courageous remarks on Sources and Suggested
love. Her proclamation of loving Readings
someone out of social divisions
1. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/arms
boldly helps her maintain a good
and-the-man/themes/class-
image in the heart of Sergius, a
divisions
person of the higher class.
2. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/A
Similarly, we see Bluntschli, a soldier and-the-Man/context/
of the working-class, holding 3. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/A
practical views on war, love and the and-the-Man/themes/
art of soldiership. His apt remarks 4. Lectures of Sir Hassan Akbar
bring home Raina the true nature of
life out of her romantic outlook and
is thus, greatly impressed by his
wisdom and entitles him as her
“Chocolate Cream Hero”.

Conclusion

Manifestly, Shaw wants to

demonstrate the fact that the people
of the lower class are as equal or
more equal in wisdom and courage
as those of the people of the upper
class to wisely love someone and to
have enough courage to marry the
person of the opposite class. Thus,
the play, Arms and The Man is
Modern Drama – Short Questions and Their Answers
(From Sargodha University Past Papers) MA English
Literature Part 2

By Asad Imran
May 24, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama, Short Questions

Tragi-comedy is a play in which the

comic and tragic elements are
2021
woven in the play.
Q1: Describe the physical
Examples:
personality of Hedda Gabler?
Hedda has pale eyes while she lacks Waiting for Godot by Samuel

an abundance of hair. Beckett

Q2: What is the attitude of Hedda Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov

Ciabler towards other female Q5: What is the relation of Varya to

characters in the play “Hedda Mrs. Ranevsky?
Gabler”? Already answered below
Already answered below Q6: What is the opinion of Sergius
Q3: What changes take place in the about the art of soldiering?
physical personalities of Pozzo and According to Sergius, soldiering is a
Lucky in Act-II? coward’s art of “attacking
Pozzo turns blind and Lucky loses mercilessly” when an army is at an
speech in Act II. advantageous place while hiding for
Q4: Define tragi-comedy giving two life when the other army is powerful.
examples of this particular genre? Q7: Where does Bluntschli hide
himself?
 Q3: From what class struggle does Louka pass?
Bluntschli hides himself in the room
The problem of Louka is that she wants to climb
of Raina who is the daughter of his the social ladder from the working class to the
elite class. Louka does not want to remain a
enemy’s major.
servant throughout her life. Thus her struggle is
Q8: Why do Vladimir and Estragon to get out of the servant class into the
respectable upper class. View Source
want to commit suicide? Q4: What is primarily anti-romantic in “Arms
The tramps want to commit suicide and the Man”?
War is primarily an anti-romantic theme in “Arms
in order to “pass the time”. and the Man”. Shaw debunks the romantic ideas
about war through the mouthpiece of Bluntschli
Q9: What is the setting of the play
that every soldier is afraid of death and he can
“The Sea”? go to extremes to save his life.
Q5: Compare the thematic and structural unity
The Sea takes place in the year of in “Waiting for Godot”.
1907 on an unknown village coast, Thematic unity in “Waiting for Godot”, well, lies in
waiting for Godot. While the structural unity of
near East Anglia. this play has been demonstrated through the pair
Q10: Who is Mr. Evans? of characters and the choices they have been
given. For instance, the pair of Tramps is given
Evans is the philosophical voice of the choice to eat a turnip or a carrot. View
Source
“The Sea”. At the end of the play,
Q6: How is a carrot used as a symbol in “Waiting
Evans suggests that suffering is the for Godot”?
Carrot has been used as a symbol of life as
only language to exist as a human. Estragon puts it: “The more you eat the more
2020 worse it gets. ” View Source
Q7: What does falling of axe signify in Cherry
Orchard?
Q1: In what two ways the theme of motherhood
is introduced in Hedda Gabler? Striking of the axe in Act IV serves as a symbolic
The theme of motherhood is signified through significance for the fall of aristocratic class in
the characters of Thea and Hedda. Thea has Russia and an end of the Cherry Orchard in literal
sense. More Short Questions
been presented as a mother who can reconstruct
Q8: Define Naturalism
her burnt child while Hedda has been depicted
as a force to destroy children of others Naturalism is a literary movement that sprang
(manuscript) and of her own. Because she does out of another literary movement, realism.
not want any responsibilities. View Source Naturalists believed that humans were fighting a
constant battle of survival against their social
Q2: Why is Hedda so cruel towards other female
customs, society and the environment in which
characters in the play?
Hedda is cruel towards other female characters they had been living. View Source
because of her inability to do man like activities Q9: Briefly introduce Epic Theatre.
and she is jealous at the success accomplished Epic Theatre was also a dramatic movement that
by other female characters, especially Thea for took place in the 20th century. Epic Theatre does
successfully shaping a man’s destiny. View not relate to the scale of a play but it rather
emphasizes the presentation of a world that is
Source
identical to the actual political and social world There is no climax in Waiting for Godot because
of the audience. the main action is yet to be performed by Godot
Q10: Mention the major fears of Mrs. Rafi. who does not arrive. Another reason behind this
might be Beckett’s intention to assert that life
The major fear of Mrs. Rafi is losing
has no climax. Source
her authority as soon as she grows Q7: Who can be called the spokesman of
Chekov in “Cherry Orchard” and why?
old. Trofimov is the spokesman of Chekov in his
“Cherry Orchard” because he alludes to the
2019 significance of the changes taking place in the
Cherry Orchard or in Russia symbolically. Source
Q1: What is the importance of home in Hedda Q8: What is the main character flaw in Trofimov
Gabler? in “Cherry Orchard”?
The importance of home in “Hedda Gabler” is felt Trofimov’s noticeable flaw in his personality is
differently by different characters. Hedda feels his lack of sensitive feelings. Under the strong
as if she is trapped forever and she does not like intoxication of new ideology emerging in Russia,
the house Tesman has bought for her. While he cannot sense from what grief Madame
Tesman thinks that it is their “dream Ranevsky will go through after losing access to
house”. View Source her orchard. Source
Q2: Why does Judge Brack never marry? Q9: How do Willy and Rose create their personal
Judge Brack does not marry in the play because maturity?
he does not want to encage himself in Both the couple create their personal maturity by
responsibilities that would eliminate his learning solutions to the problems that are being
freedom. The second reason might be his faced by their society. Recommended Reading
inclination to be a good “trusted friend” of the Q10: Briefly describe Bond’s concept of
ones who are married. View Source violence.
Q3: What is Naturalism?
Already answered in 2020.
Bond suggests that violence is
Q4: Why does Raina prefer Bluntschli over necessary for humans to shape their
Sergius?
Raina prefers Bluntschli over Sergius because of society. Without violence, they have
his practical thoughts about war and love. Unlike
no future. Source
Sergius, Bluntschli does not change his centre of
love. That is what impresses Raina regarding
2018
Bluntschli.
Q5: What is the importance of tree in “Waiting
Q1: Describe the physical features of Hedda
for Godot”?
Gabler.
The importance of the tree in this play may vary
The physical appearance of Hedda Gabler adds
from person to person. The tree serves as an
up to her personality as a cold-hearted woman.
identification mark for Estragon and Viladmir to
Hedda is a woman of “face and figure show
wait for Godot. While the tree also serves as a
refinement and distinction. Her complexion is
symbol of peace but its growth is not noticed by
pale and opaque. Her steel-grey eyes express a
the tramps so it is difficult to interpret tree as a
cold, unruffled repose. Her hair is of an
symbol of hope in this play. Source1 Source2
agreeable brown, but not particularly
Q6: Why is there no climax in “Waiting for
abundant”. View Other Short Questions regarding
Godot”?
Hedda Gabler
Q2: From where do Hedda and George return
when the play opens? Q1: Mention Hedda’s life before and after
Hedda and George return from their six months marriage.
long but boring honeymoon when the play Hedda’s life before marriage was an
opens. adventurous affair of time. She and Loevborg
Q3: Why is G. B. Shaw call an iconoclast? used to chat with each other when General
Bernard Shaw is called an iconoclast because he Gabler was reading a newspaper. Her life after
questioned old set traditions and customs and marriage was marked with boredom as she
criticized certain beliefs. could not enjoy the bookish company of her
Q4: Who says this dialogue in Arms and the husband.
Man? “Soldiering, my dear madam, is the Q2: Why is Hedda called “a female Hamlet” in
coward’s art of attacking mercilessly when you ‘Hedda Gabler’?
are strong, and keeping out of harm’s way when Hedda Gabler is called the “Female Hamlet”
you are weak. “ because she is caught in almost the same
Sergius in Act II circumstances as the Danish Prince. She cannot
Q5: Why is “Waiting for Godot” written in only lead a life of independence because her society
two acts? prohibits doing manly work. She is forced to
“Waiting for Godot” is only written in two acts marry a person out of her own necessity. Source
because everything in this play is divided into Q3: How does Act 1 of ‘Arms and the Man’
two: Two tramps, a pair of Lucky and Pozzo, introduce the themes of the play?
arrival of Messenger boy for two times. Source Act 1 of ‘Arms and the Man’ mainly introduces us
Q6: Why do Viladmir and Estragon want to to the theme of war and its true nature through
commit suicide? the defeat of the Serbian army and a fugitive
Estragon and Viladmir want to commit suicide in hurling in Raina’s bedroom to save his life.
order to “pass the time” and as a means of Q4: Who says in ‘Arms and the Man’: “Act as if
recreation. you expected to have your own way, not as if
Q7: What are the major themes of Bond’s you expected to be ordered about”?
plays? Nikola.
The major themes in Bond’s plays are man’s Q5: What does Lucky’s “Dance in a Net’
ability to survive the worst as well as the uphill symbolize?
task of changing the world. Source When Lucky dances on the command of his
Q8: What does sea in “The Sea” symbolize? master Pozzo in Act 1, Pozzo says that Lucky
Already answered in 2015. dances as “if he is entangled in a net”. Thus,
Q9: Give a brief estimate of Yasha. Lucky’s dance symbolizes the entanglement in
Yasha is the male servant of Madame Ranevsky life caused by some circumstances. View
and grandson of Firs. He travels to France but Source
returns back to Russia with Madame Ranevsky. Q6: What benefit does Pozzo get from his
He is drawn towards physical pleasures and blindness?
cigar. View Source Pozzo hears life from a new angle and sees how
Q10: Who does purchase “Cherry Orchard”? meaningless life repeats its cycle every
What does it signify? day. Source
Lopakhin purchases the “Cherry Orchard”. His Q7: Who says in “The Cherry Orchard”: “Well,
purchasing signifies the rise of middle-class good-bye, old man. It’s time to get. Here we
workers after the revolution while the fall of the stand pulling one another’s noses, but life goes
aristocratic class. Source its own way all the time”.
LOPAKHIN
2017 Q8: What did Anya do in Paris?
This question shall be answered after a thorough Q8: Why does Trophimov not accept Lopakhin’s
reading of the play. money?
Q9: Differentiate between theme and motif.
Trophimov does not accept money
A theme is the prominent message of a literary
piece of writing while a motif is the idea or a from Lopakhin to retain his freedom
repeating pattern of certain ideas or images to
as according to him, it is money that
illustrate the certain theme. Source
Q10: Give a pen-picture of Rose with reference enslaves people to people.
to ‘The Sea’. Q9: What are the Vicar’s views about Colin?
In the play, Rose is “pale and tired”. Vicar thought that he was being summoned by
Gabriel.
2016 Q10: How does Bond criticize religion with
regard to the aristocratic class?
Q1: Describe the physical appearance of Hedda Bond criticises religion through the
Already answered in 2018
Q2: Why is Hedda so cruel to other females in
character of Mrs. Rafi who attache
“Hedda Gabler”? an ostentative importance to
Already answered in 2020
Q3: What is Raina’s nickname for Bluntschli? religious rites but does not care
Raina calls Bluntschli with the nickname of
about the ones who are in need (of
“Chocolate Cream Soldier”.
Q4: In what ways is Captain Bluntschli an Anti- money like Mr. Hatch).
hero?
Bluntschli is an anti-hero because of his anti- 2015
heroic traits in his character. Typical heroes are
usually portrayed as brave, courageous and of Q1: For what physical feature does Hedda not
higher rank. But Captain Bluntschli is an like Thea?
outwardly coward person and belongs to a Hedda does not like Thea because of her
noticeably lower class. abundant hair. Hedda often shows her desire to
Q5: Discuss Beckett’s attitude toward hope in burn Thea’s hair.
“Waiting for Godot”. Q2: In what extraordinary way does Hedda greet
Beckett’s attitude towards hope is like hope Judge Brack. When he comes to tell about the
against hope. To simply put, he is not hoping for purchase of a villa?
hope. This play is about consistent waiting, Hedda points her pistol at Brack and shoots at
waiting for someone who will not come. the sky, scaring Brack.
Q6: What is the function of the boy in “Waiting Q3: How does Shaw employ irony in the opening
for Godot”? lines of “Arms and The Man’?
The function of the boy in “Waiting for Godot” is Shaw opens the play with a line from Virgil’s epic
to give a glimpse of hope for Estragon and “The Aeneid.”, “Of Arms and Man I Sing”. While
Viladmir concerning the arrival of Godot. The boy Virgil is glorifying war, Shaw is using this mono-
serves as a messenger in between Godot and stich to ridicule romantic ideas about war in his
the pair of tramps. “pleasant play. ” Source
Q7: What is Varya’s relation to Mrs. Ranavksy? Q4: How did Petkoff become a major?
Varya is the adopted daughter of Mrs. Petkoff became major on account of the wealth
Ranavksy. Source he possessed. Not because he was good at
warfare. Source
Q5: Why is “Waiting for Godot” in two acts? for the coast guards.
Already answered. Q9: What does Charlotta’s character represent
Q6: Explain the idea of pairing throughout in “The Cherry Orchard”?
“Waiting for Godot’. The character of Charlotta represents the free
Already answered in 2020. thinking of common people who holds a firm
Q7: What is the metaphoric significance of sea belief in “the whole Russia is our
in “The Sea”? orchard”. Source
Sea in “The Sea” has been used as a metaphor of Q10: How is Dunyasha an especially Ironic
destruction and as a challenge of human survival Character?
in the very play. Source Dunyasha is ironic in a way she longs for
Q8: Why does Mrs. Rafi arrange a play? becoming a member of an aristocratic class and
Mrs. Rafi arranges a play in order to satisfy her the way she powders herself to look alike an
aristocratic feeling as well as to collect charity aristocratic lady.

The Cherry Orchard as a Naturalistic Play

By Asad Imran
July 7, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Naturalism is an advance form of

General Introduction realism that depicts a realistic story
that is an outcome of the past of the
Cherry Orchard is a play by Anton
characters or the environment in
Chekhov which is featuring the
which they grew. Naturalists believe
effects of the revolution that was
that social conditions, family system
taking place in Russia. The play was
and environment help a person in
first performed in 1904. Chekhov is
shaping his or her character.
considered to be a realistic as well
Although both realism and
as a naturalistic playwright. Before
naturalism are interlinked with each
discussing about this play as a
other, yet there are some differences
naturalistic play, first, we have to
between the two. Realism only
make it clear what is naturalism.
paints a realistic picture of the
present life in keeping with the characters in this play are exactly
literary requirements and techniques like the people of that era.
while naturalism gives a
philosophical pessimism. Realistic Importance of the Characters’
literature gives an outward glance on Past
the outward life of the characters
This is the central point that
while naturalism gives an overview
distinguishes a Naturalistic play
of the domestic life of the
from a realistic play. In a naturalistic
characters.
play, the presence of the dramatic

Characters are Lifelike personages is determined and

governed by the events taking place
A Naturalistic Play is rather in the past. In Cherry Orchard, past is
incomplete without characters that vividly portrayed as a governing
represent the actuality of life. Cherry force for the present of the
Orchard is no exception. The characters despite their class
characters in Cherry Orchard can be differences. For example, the Loupov
divided into two kinds, each family is running out of money
representing his or her own sphere because they spent lavishly on minor
of life. But their dependency occasions and consequently, they
changes as time changes. For ran in debt. On the other hand,
instance, The Loupov family Lopakhin amassed wealth through
represents the declining model of the means of hard work and
the aristocratic class who once ruled business mind. So, Lopakhin’s
the forefathers of the serfs like dedication and Lyobov’s unchecked
Lopakhin. The character of Lopakhin, spendings in the past made their
on the other hand, shows the surge present pleasant and miserable
of the working class and their respectively.
independence from the masters
once they used to obey. So, the
References to Off-Stage the perspective of an outer world.
Events But a naturalistic play gives the inner
picture of the outcomes and
Since events in a naturalistic play is aftermaths of a happening. Being a
governed by the past, there are many naturalistic play, Cherry Orchard
references to many off-stage events exhibits a domestic output of the
that have either taken place in the Russian Revolution. We see its
past or in the present. In Cherry influence in the form of how the
Orchard, we see the references to dismal financial conditions of
many off-stage events like the Lyobov compelled her to sell her
Russian revolution, Lyobov’s cherished Cherry Orchard that
kindheartedness to Lopakhin when distinguished her family from the
he was scolded by his father; rest of the aristocratic people in
Lyobov’s lavish spendings for her Russia. Also, the setting of the play
‘lover’ and her taking care of him is domestic because the events in
during his illness in France; serfs this play take place in the domestic
working in fields in past. But the background.
significant event that is referred in
this play is the auctioning of the The Play ends Upon Some
Cherry Orchard that is announced by Problems Unsolved
Lopakhin.
Cherry Orchard ends on the
Naturalistic Plays are set in auctioning of, well, the Cherry
Domestic Setting Orchard. The Lyobov family
successfully acclaims enough
Realistic literature portrays a picture money for their debts to be cleared.
that usually involves the setting of However, some problems remain
an outer place, like A Tale of Two unsolved like what will the Lyubov
Cities that gives almost a coherent family do when the money received
view of the French Revolution from in exchange of the Cherry Orchard
runs out. Will Lopakhin ever propose Sources and Suggested
Anya. Readings

Conclusion 1. Lecture of Sir Hassan

2. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/T
Conclusively, the Cherry Orchard by
Cherry-Orchard/context/
Anton Chekhov gives an advanced
3. https://www.enotes.com/homewo
version of realism that depicts the
help/can-we-consider-cherry-
inner consequences of a happening
orchard-work-presents-231771
that is worth shaking the set routine
4. https://literarydevices.net/naturalis
of life. So, this play is rightfully a
naturalistic play.

The Cherry Orchard – A Tragedy or a Comedy

By Asad Imran
July 13, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

comedy or a tragedy due to its style

Introduction and comedy. But what makes a play
a tragedy or a comedy. The general
The Cherry Orchard, the play about
concept of a play being a tragedy or
the Russian revolution is confused
a comedy is linked to the modes a
between being a tragedy or a
play exhibits. If a play retains a
comedy. The play is marked with
happy and jolly tone, it will be
both tears of biding a farewell as
vaguely termed as a comedy while a
well as begining of a new and
play manifested in suffering, plight
optimistic beginning. The play has
and sombre tone can be regarded as
been heavily debated for being a
a tragedy. Let’s discuss what Because according to Stanislavski
Chekhov himself considered. the play featured a tragic
atmosphere where people had gone
bankrupt and they were about to
Controversy between the lose their lodgings. Stanislavski even
Author and the Producer delayed the performance of the
fourth act in order to sustain the
The problem of tragedy and comedy prevailing suspense. But Anton was
was produced from the difference not pleased by the producer’s
between the writer’s and producer’s conduct. Let’s discuss why
concept of play. Stanislavski deemed the play as a
In his letter, Shekhov said; tragedy?

“Not a drama,but a comedy has

What is tragic in the Play?
emerged from me, in places even a
farce”. As mentioned above, Stanislavski

Chekhov, the one who formulated and many critics consider The

the particular play conceived it as Cherry Orchard a tragedy because of

neither a tragedy nor a comedy but the sound reasons on which the play

rather a farce. But the producer of is based. It is the dismal condition of

the play, the aristocratic class that makes the

atmosphere of the play tragic.
Stanislavski disagreed with Chekhov
Aristocrats, the ones who used to
and called it a tragedy.
rule over the serfs have been
He said in response to Shekhov: reduced to the people suffering
under the growing pain of debt. We
This is not a comedy or a farce,
see the Lyobov family selling their
as you wrote, it is a
villa in Mentone to clear their debts
tragedy,whatever way out you
but this does not work out well for
may have found for better life in
them. Their tragic hamartia is their
the last act
lack of control over their spendings absurd action right after a serious
and lack of business mindset. happening. For instance, when Varya
During a conversation with Lopakhin, and Anya are discussing about their
Lyobov admits, deplorable financial condition,
Lopakhin moos to add laughter
I’ve always scattered money
among the audience of the play as a
about without holding myself in,
temporal comic relief.
like a madwoman, and I married a
man who made nothing but This play is also a comedy in a

debts. sense due to its display of the

financial victory of the serfs who
Although Lyubov openly admits her once worked under their masters.
tragic flaw, but she fails to act upon Lopakhin, who has come out of the
the advice of Lopakhin to lease the background of the serfs have used
land of the Cherry Orchard for a his brain in a way that has made him
sustainable source of income. capable of purchasing the Cherry
Consequently, she auctions her Orchard. Lopakhin does not forget
ancestral pride in exchange for about his past and feels proud of his
money to clear her debts. Her financial as well as social freedom.
inability to act upon Lopakhin’s
sincere advice is what establishes a Conclusion
tragic departure with the land she
So, it is evident that the situational
could transform it to a moneymaking
complexity of this play makes us
machine.
harder to decide about its genre. But

What is Comic in the Play? one thing is certain, this I. play is not
entirely a tragedy for the aristocratic
The moments of tragedy, as well as class. There is a hidden message of
comedy, are sequentially present in hope for them. They can start a
the play. Although Anton has tried to business with the money they have
add farcical effect by mingling of accumulated through the process of
auctioning. In fact, Gaev (brother of Sources and Suggested
Lyubov) has bid a farewell to sloth as Readings
he has been selected for a job in the
bank. Manifestly, the play is neither 1. Lecture of Sir Hassan

an absolute tragedy, nor an absolute 2. https://www.enotes.com/homewo

comedy but a combination of both help/cherry-orchard-by-anton-

that signals at the optimistic vision chekhov-comedy-tragedy-560554

of the writer, 3. http://www.askliterature.com/dram

cherry-orchard-as-a-comedy/
The human race progresses, 4. A portion of this answer was
perfecting its powers. contributed by Muhammad Awais
(My Classmate)

Significance of the Title of The Cherry Orchard

By Asad Imran
July 16, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

play holds its importance differently

Introduction among different characters that we’ll
discuss in detail below. But first, let’s
The play’s entirety is amassed and
make it clear how is the Cherry
centred around the title it posses
Orchard in the play.
both figuratively and in literal sense.
The title of the play is significant in a
sense because it helps a reader to
A Brief Overview of the Cherry
get a slight idea of what the play is
all about. The Cherry Orchard in the
Orchard
As the name of this play suggests, to sleep; I used to look out from
the setting of this play mostly here into the orchard.
revolves around The Cherry Orchard
But the Cherry Orchard could also
that is vaguely present in the play. In
serve as financial support to clear
fact, it does not even take place in
out their debts as advised by
the said orchard. As for its size,
Lopakhin but Lyubov could not see
Lopakhin gives us the hint that it
the permanent financial value of it.
might be 2,500 acres long. A railway
line runs by it. It boasts a large
The Cherry Orchard for the
cluster of Cherry trees. Due to its
Serf Class
massive size, it serves as a defining
factor for the Lyobov family in The symbol of the Cherry Orchard is
Russia. Despite its notable also a symbol of memory for the
importance, it does not exist working class. It is a cold
concretely in the play. Yet its recollection of their slavery. In fact,
integrity is asserted by many the orchard grew its trees through
characters. the continuous hard work of the
serfs who could not go against the
Importance of The Cherry will of their masters. Trofimov shows
Orchard for Lyubov Family his disdain for the Orchard as below,

The Cherry Garden is of great Think, Anya, your grandfather,

significance for the Lyobov family in your great-grandfather, and all
particular. It is regarded as a symbol your ancestors were serf-owners,
of their memories of the past. they owned living souls; and now,
Lyubov recalls her days of the past doesn’t something human look at
as thus, you from every cherry in the
orchard, every leaf and every
Oh, my childhood, days of my
stalk? Don’t you hear voices…?
innocence! In this nursery I used
 Oh, it’s awful, your orchard is agent of change which does not side
terrible. with its owner but with the flow of
time. The Cherry Orchard is not
Trofimov, the teacher claims that the
limited to the estate once Lyubov
whole Russia is their orchard. Thus
and then Lopakhin owned, but as
proclaiming the financial
Trofimov puts it, “The whole Russia
independence of the serfs from the
is our Orchard”. Thus signalling at
hands of their ruling class. The
the socialist growth of humanity.
cutting of the Cherry trees also
denotes a farewell to the old system Sources and Suggested
of slavery and a new begining of Readings
opportunities.
https://www.shmoop.com/study-
Conclusion guides/literature/cherry-
orchard/analysis/title
The Cherry Orchard can be a symbol
of oppression or of sweet memories.
But it is a striking symbol and an

Character Sketch of Lyubov in the Cherry Orchard

By Asad Imran
July 18, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Cherry Orchard. Anton Chekhov calls

Who is Lyubov? this play a play of action so actions
are to be performed by characters.
Lyubov is the most important as well
Therefore, we see slight magic of
as the central character of the play
characterization going on in this her now, was still young, and very
play. Every character in this play thin, and she took me to the
works as a symbol for the play itself. washstand here in this very room,
The character of Lyubov has been the nursery. She said, “Don’t cry, little
utilized as a symbol of the fall of the man, it’ll be all right in time for your
aristocratic class. Her character is a wedding.”
blend of both good as well as bad
Thus, tending the wound of Lopakhin
qualities. Let’s discuss about her
shows her kind-heartedness in a
character in detail.
positive manner.

Her Blind Faith in Love

A Kind Hearted Woman
Lyubov’s kind-heartedness gives way
Lyubov is generally a kind-hearted to her blind faith in love. When she
lady, despite belonging to the leaves Russia for France, she falls in
aristocratic class. Her kind- love with a person who ultimately
heartedness is equally bestowed becomes unfaithful to her. She sells
upon her servants in the pat as well almost everything for her “lover”. She
as her “supposed” lover in Paris. takes a great fancy to assist him
Lopakhin gives an account of her during his illness before her return to
meek but generous heart as below: Russia. When she receives a

I remember when I was a boy of telegram of the supposed lover,

fifteen, my father, who is dead–he begging her to return and to nurse

used to keep a shop in the village him due to the second attack of

here–hit me on the face with his fist, illness, she is profoundly compelled

and my nose bled. …We had gone to help him,

into the yard together for something

That wild man is ill again, he’s
or other, and he was a little drunk.
bad again. … He begs for
Lubov Andreyevna, as I remember
forgiveness, and implores me to
 come, and I really ought to go to scolds her for giving away her whole
Paris to be near him. purse to peasants. Her actions in
and out of the play clearly show that
It’s vividly clear that Lyubov is unable
she does not care about the value of
to understand the grave reality of her
money and she cannot help reject
love that her lover is only using her
the face of the needy.
as an ATM machine. She is
emotionally attached to him. That is Her Inability to Accept the
why, she is unable to withhold the Change
caveats of Trofimov.
Lyubov loves to live in the past. She
Her Habit of Spending is deeply fond of recalling her
Lavishly childhood memories in the orchard,

Lyubov does not realize the Oh, my childhood, days of my

importance of money and wealth. innocence! In this nursery I used
Because of her aristocratic nature, to sleep; I used to look out from
she considers it a duty to spend here into the orchard. Happiness
lavishly. Lopakhin is amazed by her used to wake with me every
generous spendings: morning.

I’ve never met such frivolous Her love of the past does not permit
people as you before, or anybody her to see the gradual weathering of
so unbusinesslike and peculiar. the class to which she belonged. She
likes to live in her own world
She has sold her villa in Manton for inhabited by the past. Yet some
her lover. She has spent every penny argue that her selling of the Cherry
on him. During the play, in Act 1, she Orchard can be an allusion to her
loans money to Pischik. In Act 2, she bidding a farewell to the old order.
gives a homeless man a piece of
gold. In the beginning of Act 4, Gaev Is Lyubov a Tragic Character?
Lyubov’s main flaw in her character Lyubov is not a stupid character as
is the lack of practical mindedness. the world calls her. She is the voice
She is not entirely a tragic character of innocence that lacks experience.
because we do not witness her Despite her flaws, she is the major
death. Yet losing the Cherry Orchard character of the play that controls,
is a significant event that can be for the most part, the flow of the
considered within the limits of a play. The character of Lyubov has a
tragedy. A tragedy usually happens universal appeal. Her story of
due to the flaw of a character and he ‘departure’ is the tale of every
is sometimes given a chance or Russian Aristocratic during the time
advice to redeem himself from the of revolution.
dark hands of time. Lyubov was
given a golden piece of advice by Sources and Suggested
Lopakhin to lease the land of her Readings
estate that would have enabled her
1. https://www.shmoop.com/study-
to pay off her debts. But she was not
guides/literature/cherry-
ready to listen to his words of
orchard/lubov-andreyevna-
sincerity and warded off the “absurd”
ranevskaya
idea and did not even try to save her
2. http://www.askliterature.com/dram
property from being auctioned. That
of-mrs-ranevsky-lyubov-in-the-
almost brought about her tragedy.
cherry-orchard/

Conclusion 3. Lectures of Sir Hassan Akbar

Character Analysis of Lopakhin in The Cherry

Orchard

By Asad Imran
July 21, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

A Genius Businessman
Who is Lopakhin?
Lopakhin does not hesitate in
The complete name of Lopakhin in
accepting the change that shook the
the play is Ermolai Lopakhin. He is a
upper strata living in Russia. The
successful businessman whose
change that gives him a right to be a
forefathers were once slaves or
master of his roubles enables him to
commonly referred to as serfs who
perform wonderfully in the field of
worked in the estate of Lyubov. Just
business. Due to his thorough
like his drunk father, Lopakhin is an
indulgence in business, he develops
uneducated person who himself
the cynical mind of a businessman
admits,
who sees nothing but his profit. But
we can look at Lopakhin through a
Here I’ve been reading this book,
lens of kindness because despite
but I understood nothing. I read
and fell asleep. having the mind of a businessman,
Lopakhin remains faithful to Lyubov.
Basically, the character of Lopakhin He could have bought the Cherry
is a representative of the rise of Orchard in the first place but he gave
middle class due to their dedication Lyubov a chance to redeem herself,
as well as their use of business
Here’s my plan. Please attend
mind. Just like the Character of
carefully! Your estate is only
Lyubov, the character of Lopakhin is
thirteen miles from the town, the
also a blend of both good qualities
railway runs by, and if the cherry
and some shortcomings as well.
orchard and the land by the river
Let’s explore:
are broken up into building lots
and are then leased off for villas
you’ll get at least twenty-five
 thousand roubles a year profit out lavishly on normal articles of life like
of it. expensive clothes and furniture etc.

So, it is evident that Lopakhin is a Lopakhin and Love

genius businessman who also sees
profit as well as remains faithful to Love is a difficult passion for a
Lyubov simultaneously. businessman like Lopakhin to
practice. From Act 1 to 4, the topic of
He does not Hide his Past marriage between Lopakhin and
Varya is discussed. Lopakhin does
As mentioned before, Lopakhin
not seem to dislike the idea of love.
belongs to the rising working class
But he does not seem to show
who was once under the influence of
interest in the idea of marriage.
their masters. Even after becoming a
Shmoop suggests four reasons why
successful businessman, he does
Lopakhin didn’t bother to propose
not feel shy of concealing his past
Varya.
just like we find in our surroundings.
He wants to break from his past
He does not forget about the (minor)
of being a serf. How shall he
atrocities that were inflicted on the
marry a girl that belonged to the
serfs by their masters.
family that enslaved his
I’ve bought the estate where my forefathers.
grandfather and my father were He wants to focus more on his
slaves, where they weren’t even business.
allowed into the kitchen. He might be in love with Lyubov.
He does not want to get married
He wears a simple dress just like in
at all.
his old past days. He is aware of the
fact that the fall of the aristocratic The second point is also validated by

class is their habit of spending Varya herself in the text:

 I can’t propose to him myself, tendency to be fascinated by the
little mother. People have been natural beauty. He remarks:
talking about him to me for two
years now, but he either says In the spring I sowed three
nothing, or jokes about it. I thousand acres of poppies, and
understand. He’s getting rich, he’s now I’ve made forty thousand
busy, he can’t bother about me. roubles net profit. And when my
poppies were in flower, what a
So, it’s clear that Lopakhin does not picture it was! So I, as I was
take marriage seriously. saying, made forty thousand
roubles.
His Lack of the Appreciation
of Beauty and Feelings So, Lopakhin does appreciate beauty
but his sense of being a
Lopakhin is a cynical businessman. businessman dominates him to a
He only seems to see the great extent.
materialistic value from the articles
Another shortcoming in the
of life. When Lopakhin gives the idea
character of Lopakhin is his lack of
to cut down the Cherry trees, Lyubov
feelings. He does seem to be
seriously replies,
feelingless when he orders to cut the
Cut it down? My dear man, you Cherry trees in front of Lyubov. But
must excuse me, but you don’t the most brutal of all is his soliloquy
understand anything at all. If of victory:
there’s anything interesting or
The cherry orchard is mine now,
remarkable in the whole province,
mine! My God, my God, the cherry
it’s this cherry orchard of ours.
orchard’s mine! Tell me I’m drunk,
But this isn’t true. Lopakhin is, after or mad, or dreaming…. Don’t
all, a human being. He has a slight laugh at me! If my father and
grandfather rose from their
 graves and looked at the whole Conclusion
affair, and saw how their Ermolai,
their beaten and uneducated Conclusively, Lopakhin is a major
Ermolai, who used to run barefoot character with whom a great deal of
in the winter, how that very symbolism is associated. He is a
Ermolai has bought an estate, prime example of the success that
which is the most beautiful thing he achieved by accepting the
in the world! change.

His speech is equally fascinating as Sources and Suggested

well as ugly. But to call him a Readings
feelingless shall be an injustice to
him. Because when he meets Lyubov 1. https://www.shmoop.com/study-

after the auction, he cries before her, guides/literature/cherry-

orchard/ermolai-lopakhin
Why then, why didn’t you take my 2. http://www.askliterature.com/dram
advice? My poor, dear woman, of-lopakhin-in-the-cherry-orchard/
you can’t go back now. 3. Lectures of Sir Hassan

This clearly shows how meek his

uncivilized heart can get.

Samuel Beckett as a Dramatist

By Asad Imran
July 24, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Samuel Beckett wrote at the time

Introduction when the world was suffering from a
lot of modern problems that it did Neither they use elevated diction to
not see before like the horror of the heighten the effect. His characters
Great World Wars. Beckett is said to use simple and colloquial language
have revolutionized the theatre that can be easily understood by a
through his innovative dramas. His layman. They are seldom noticed
innovative dramas extended the soliloquizing. They do not preach
scope of already established theatre. something. Their action may not be
His plays are not meant to be read, elegant but it is a part of the
but to be performed so that the experience of the whole play. For
ideas within a play can be instance, in Act 2, we see Pozzo
transmitted nicely to the intended turned blind and is begging for help.
audience. Beckett used the essential The same Pozzo that was the
dramatic machinery to establish a master of (the unfortunate) Lucky
modern and complex unity that and the one who gave Estragon a
could not be found in the plays bone to “relish” is unrecognizable by
written before him. Such a one tramp. Thus, the present
tremendous use of dramatic condition of a character like Pozzo
machinery can be called a “Total can be linked to his personality in
Theatre” that involves the ears, eyes, Act 1 to get the most out of the
emotions and Intellect symbolic significance of the play.
simultaneously. Let’s discuss the This is the art of Beckett that is
chief features of Beckett’s plays: spell-bounding.

Minimal Characterization and

An Exhibition of Beckett’s Art Plot

The plays sketched by Beckett show A striking but different feature of

his distinct art. For instance, the Beckett’s plays is the occurrence of

characters drawn in his plays do not plot and characterization to a

indulge in philosophical discourse. minimum. It is not suitable for a

reader or the audience to look for a Speaking of characterization, the
story in his plays. The time, as well characters in Beckett’s plays are
as characters, are static. They do not presented without their past. It will
move from one place to the other. be correct to say that the characters
So, the setting is almost static. The live as long as the play is performed.
time does seem moving but it is Although they may tell the audience
static. The plays end at their bits and pieces of their past. Their
beginning. Of course, there are future is uncertain. They remain
problems in his plays but those unchanged throughout the play. For
problems remain unsolved in the end instance, the stage direction of
as if they were in the beginning. Waiting for Godot during its ending
Winnie, a character from Happy Days reads as thus,
asserts the concept of plots in
Viladmir: Well, shall we go?
Beckett’s plays as thus,
Estragon: Yes, let’s go.
Yes, something seems to be (They do not move)
occurred, something has seemed
to occur, and nothing occurred, Chief Topics of his Plays
nothing at all.
Beckett’s plays centre around Man.

We see the same phenomenon in While the topics revolve around the

Waiting for Godot in which two role of man in the universe, his

tramps wait for a mystical figure, limitations and his identity. In

Godot to solve their problems but he Waiting for Godot, we find the pair of

does not arrive. In Endgame, a blind tramps as well as Pozzo, Lucky pair,

tyrant tells a story to “wait” for his suffering from an identity crisis.

servant to leave or for death. So, the Estragon and Vladimir are uncertain

plot (and characterization) in about the identity of Godot. Lucky

Beckett’s Plays is non-existent. has lost his identity completely.

Through Beckett’s plays, we assume
that the role of man in the universe of Ionesco. A fine example can be
can be as insignificant as it can get. given from Waiting for Godot in
For example, in the same play, we which a tramp questions that why
see tramps associating their hopes can they throw the idea of waiting?
to a being they are not acquainted
Estragon: Let’s go.
with, instead of doing work on their
VLADIMIR: We can’t.
own.
ESTRAGON: Why not?
Beckett as an Absurdist VLADIMIR: We’re waiting for
Godot.
Beckett is misleadingly compared
with Ionesco for being a dramatist of This is a rational questioning and a
the Absurd. Ionesco is the Romanian rational answer that is in accordance
champion of the Absurd Plays which with the title as well as the
are farcical in nature, only meant for expectations of the readers
spreading laughter. But Beckett is an
Conclusion
Absurdist through the declaration of
what Camus had said. By “Absurd”, Conclusively speaking, Samuel
Camus meant a life spent Beckett, as a playwright, has
completely for its own sake in a introduced plenty of themes as well
universe that made no sense as concepts to inspire more writers
because there was no God to resolve through his minimal caricaturing of
the contradictions. The waiting is meaninglessness and
also absurd in the sense the tramps’ meaningfulness of life.
expectations make no sense unless
they begin searching for Godot. Sources and Suggested
Another thing that separates Readings
Beckett’s absurdism from Ionesco’s
1. Waiting for Godot – Critical
is his rational world as compared to
Studies by Famous Products –
the abrupt and unpredictable world
 Page 29 4. https://neoenglish.wordpress.com
2. Lectures of Sir Hassan Akbar as-a-playwright/
3. http://www.askliterature.com/drama/samuel-
beckett-as-dramatist-playwright/

Waiting for Godot – a Comedy or a Tragedy

By Asad Imran
July 25, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

latter is controlled by the former.

Introduction Let’s dive deeper into the comic and
tragic elements in Waiting for
Samuel Beckett himself subtitled
Godot.
Waiting for Godot as a Tragicomedy
in Two Acts. While some critics
argue that the play is entirely a
Comic Elements in the Play
tragedy or a comedy. Before
discussing at length whether this Comedy, in general, refers to
play is a tragedy or a comedy, first, something that arouses laughter
we have to introduce ourselves with among the audience. However,
the story of this play. The story of Comedy in literature means a tale
this play revolves around two tramps that ends happily. Waiting for Godot
who are, well, waiting for a seems to fulfil the first and general
mysterious being called Godot. The condition of comedy due to some
play begins on waiting, ends on pure comic as well as farcical
waiting. We also see another pair elements:
comprising of Pozzo and Lucky. The
Cross-Talk of Music-Hall Comic Misunderstandings

Waiting for Godot follows the Cross- Comic misunderstanding is that type
talk tradition commonly observed in of misunderstanding that takes
music-halls. Music-halls are a source place when the answer or response
of public entertainment that use to a statement or question is not
music, comedic acts and dancing to what is expected from the situation.
amuse the masses. In Cross-talk, a The same technique is also utilized
pair of two comedians involves in a in Waiting for Godot. For instance,
rapid exchange of small dialogues. when Pozzo intends to give Estragon
Those are often reminiscent of the a reward of ten francs for the
ones found in circuses. Even monologue of Lucky, Vladimir’s
Estragon and Vladimir confirm the response “We are not beggars” adds
parallel: a burst of slight laughter. Another
occasion can be quoted as below:
Vladimir. It’s worse than being at
the theatre. Vladimir. Where are your boots?
Estragon. The circus. Estragon. I must have thrown
Vladimir. The music-hall. them away.
Estragon. The circus. Vladimir. When?
Estragon I don’t know.
But physical humour is a noticeable Vladimir. Why?
program in a circus. And Waiting for Estragon (Exasperated). I don’t
Godot is not exempted from it. There know why I don’t know!
are many examples of physical Vladimir. No, I mean why did you
humour like the shuffling of hats, the throw them away?
dance of Lucky, Estragon losing his
trousers and their abrupt falling. Thus, such an unexpected response
These elements are enough for the adds a comic pleasure to the play.
audience to laugh loudly.
Tragic Elements in the Play
Waiting for Godot surely has some Neither tramps, nor the Pozzo Lucky
comic elements but it is a serious pair, nor the audience and nor the
and even a tragic play. The play is author are aware about the true
certainly far from the Aristotelian identity of Godot. The agony of
and Shakespearean concept of waiting can also be felt by the
tragedy. We find no direct catharsis audience as well as the readers. The
of the emotions of pity and fear. tramps are promised of their
However, the play is rightfully tragic redemption on the arrival of Godot
because it shows human suffering and Godot does not arrive and there
and sheer despair. Let’s discuss is no hope of his arrival. Such futile
some of the tragic elements found waiting creates a true tragic effect
within the play: for the dismal fate of the tramps.

The Agony of Waiting Tragic Dialogues

Waiting is a chief motif of the play. A tragedy is almost incomplete

But the uncertain duration of waiting without tragic dialogues in it. We find
is tragic in itself. In the beginning, them in Oedipus, Othello, Tess and
Tramps try to see a rewarding even in this play. Such serious
promise in the ordeal of waiting. But dialogues leave an immense tragic
soon, Estragon gets fed up with the impression upon the audience. The
idea of waiting and implores first utterance that leaves a tragic
Vladimir that why do not they give up effect on us when Estragon
the waiting. The only answer that complains about futile waiting:
comes in refrain scattered
Nothing happens. Nobody
throughout the text is,
comes. Nobody goes. It’s awful.
We can’t. We are waiting for
At another point, his tone grows
Godot.
more serious:
 All my lousy life I’ve crawled through the characters of tramps,
about in the mud! And you talk to especially Estragon. They repeatedly
me about scenery! You and your say, “Nothing to be done” a staple
landscapes! Tell me about the sentence of this play. The
worms! suggestion of Estragon to hang
themselves is an intense show of
But the most tragic line of the bunch
their despair. Thus, adding a tragic
is uttered by Pozzo:
flavour to the particular play.
One day like any other day, one
Final Thoughts
day he (Lucky) went dumb, one
day I went blind, one day we’ll go Consequently, it is difficult to
deaf, one day we were born and
consider this play a tragedy or a
one day we shall die.
comedy as a whole. As Beckett has
himself chosen the genre of
Thus, through such hopeless
tragicomedy for this play, Waiting for
remarks, the play achieves its tragic
Godot is rightfully a tragicomedy, a
quality.
mixture of both.
Other elements
Sources and Suggested
Pozzo Luchy Relationship is a minor Readings
yet a significant example of tragedy
in the play. Pozzo treats Lucky below 1. Waiting for Godot – Critical
the level of humanity: as merely a Studies by Famous Products –
beast of burden. Pozzo has no Page 364 and 420
regard for the feelings of Lucky as 2. Lectures of Sir Hassan Akbar
he considers that such creatures 3. http://www.askliterature.com/dram
should be killed. Another tragic for-godot-as-a-tragicomedy/
keynote in this play is the rule of 4. https://literaturetimes.com/waiting
despair which is vividly portrayed for-godot-as-tragicomedy/
5. http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css- 6. http://englishhonoursguide.blogsp
optional-subjects/group- for-godot-as-tragicomedy_90.html
v/english-literature/7163-waiting-
godot-tragi-comedy.html

The Mysterious Identity of Godot in Waiting for

Godot

By Asad Imran
July 27, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Who is Godot?
What do we know about
No one on Earth knows the answer
Godot?
to this question. Neither tramps, nor
readers and not even the author Through the conversations of
himself. It is true that Beckett Estragon and Vladimir, we come
himself was asked the same across the importance of Godot for
question about the identity of Godot the tramps. Godot has promised
and he himself replied that if he had them of something they are not
known who Godot was, he would certain about.
have told us in the play. It is clear
ESTRAGON: What exactly did we
that Godot is a mysterious figure
ask him for?
who is yet “undiscovered” by men
VLADIMIR: Were you not there?
like Vladimir and Estragon. Yet there
ESTRAGON: I can’t have been
are some minor details in the play
listening.
hinting at the “personality” of Godot.
 VLADIMIR: Oh . . . Nothing very Godot does not exist as concretely
definite. as other characters do in this play.
ESTRAGON: A kind of prayer. Yet tramps talk about him and
VLADIMIR: Precisely. accept his influence upon them. The
ESTRAGON: A vague identity of Godot is mostly shrouded
supplication. in confusion. Many critics derive a
different Godot. Some say Godot is
So, it is certain that they have met
God while others say he is a normal
Godot at some point. The tramps
human being. The play has no
know one certain thing about Godot
inherent meaning. So is Godot. One
that they have to wait for him.
can make as many interpretations of
The Messenger boy also reveals Godot as possible. Godot can be
significantly about Godot. According one’s unfulfilled desire that has a
to the boy, Godot has a white beard. chance to become true in near
He does nothing and he beats his future. Godot can be a promise that
brother. is yet to be fulfilled. Godot can be
the suffering of mankind that may or
VLADIMIR: What does he do, Mr.
may not come to an end. Such a
Godot? ( Silence. ) Do you hear
level of freedom of interpretation
me?
can lead to confusion.
BOY: Yes Sir.
VLADIMIR: Well? Speaking of suffering, the character
BOY: He does nothing, Sir. of Pozzo is also confused with
Godot. At first, he is initially taken for
So, this is what we know about Godot by the tramps. But secondly,
Godot so far. his name also rhymes with the word
Godot. Pozzo’s mistreatment of
Confusion about the Identity
Lucky also adds him to the hostility
Godot
that is observed in Godot. But those
are merely speculations and we ESTRAGON: And if we dropped
cannot consider Pozzo as Godot. him? ( Pause. ) If we dropped
him?
Godot’s Hostility VLADIMIR: He’d punish us.

Keeping in view the details given Thus, the nature of Godot is

about Godot in the play, he seems to mysteriously a blend of both
be a hostile figure. For instance, kindness and hostility.
Godot is kind towards the
Messenger boy but he beats the Godot’s Divine Attributes
brother of the Messenger boy who
There is a significant material in the
guards the sheep. But this can be a
play that hints at Godot for being
similar case with the pair of tramps.
God. The first and most obvious hint
Vladimir gets the carrot and turnips
is the word God connected to it.
while Estragon gets beaten in the
Secondly, the word Godo in the Irish
night. Maybe it is Godot that gives
language is commonly used for God.
Vladimir turnips and carrots and
Thirdly, the boy’s description of
beats Estragon (like Messenger
Godot having a white beard also
boy’s brother). But a significant
gives the impression of the old
hostility can be seen through the
father aspect of Him. Fourthly, the
vague or even empty promise that
name of Godot exists but he does
Godot has made to the tramps. They
not arrive in the play just like God
keep waiting for him from dawn to
Who exists but does not appear
dusk. But we do not find a definitive
before us. We shall find this play a
time for his arrival or the fulfilment
Christian or even a Morality Play if
of the promise that he made a while
we associate Godot to the God in the
back. But tramps are equally free to
Old Testament.
“take it or leave it” yet they equally
become fearful of the sense of But there are opinions of critics who
punishment: do not accept the (fractured)
religious interpretation. Martin Esslin our own interpretation of Godot.
asserts that the play is mainly about What do you think who Godot is?
the ultimate realities of life and Comment your answer below.
suffering is one of them. Since
Godot is also attributed to human Sources and Suggested
suffering that may never end, Readings
because, according to him, the
1. Waiting for Godot – Critical
problem of Death and Life is
Studies by Famous Products –
concerned with the Drama of the
Page 315
Absurd.
2. Lectures of Sir Hassan

Conclusion 3. https://www.eng-
literature.com/2020/05/who-is-
So, it is difficult to trace out the true godot-waiting-for-godot.html
identity of Godot in the sea of 4. https://www.shmoop.com/study-
interpretations. As the play is guides/literature/waiting-for-
inherently meaningless, Becket’s godot/godot-character
answer to Alan Schneider”s question
indirectly encourages us to develop

Themes of Uncertainty, Meaninglessness and

Absurdity in Waiting for Godot

By Asad Imran
July 27, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Waiting for Godot is outwardly

Introduction simple but inwardly a complex play.
The play has one of the most uncertain amount of days. Also, both
minimal setting as well as dramatic Estragon and Vladimir fail to gauge
personages. Yet the play the exact time of their
successfully exhibits some themes companionship. Other than this, the
closely associated with uncertainty time in the first act seems to move
as well as the meaninglessness of naturally because we (vaguely)
life. Characters are representatives witness the shift of time from the
of humanity; setting, human sunset to the moonrise. But time is
existence and their actions show the mostly uncertain and unpredictable
ultimate truth about the human in Waiting for Godot.
condition. Let’s discuss the core
themes of this play in detail: Meaninglessness

Meaninglessness is an important
theme of this play. Both Estragon
Uncertainty of Time
and Vladimir try to seek meaning out

One of the most obvious themes of of their existence by waiting for the

Waiting for Godot is the uncertainty mysterious Godot about whom no

of time. The play is replete with one knows exactly. Speaking about

examples in which time looks meaninglessness, the play is also

relatively uncertain. For example, inherently meaningless. The

when Act 2 is proceeded by Act 1, playwright wants us to convey that

we as the audience think that only a there is no inherent purpose to life in

day is passed but looking at the general. We are sent into and sent

growth of the leafless tree (in Act 1) out of this world without us doing

it is difficult to deny that a significant anything significant. Much like the

amount of days have gone by. And protagonists of the play who are

also, Estragon fails to recognize waiting for a pointless and even

Pozzo may be due to his weak empty promise. The play generally

memory as well as the passing of an wants to capture the mode of the

people who think that they are acted the views of the author that are
upon the world where they “exist”. contrary to religion. Critics argue this
So, Godot can be interpreted as a play because of Vladimir raising the
name for pointlessness (in life). issue of salvation (nijjat) and
damnation. Another theme, yet an
Absurdity allegorical one is attributed to the
German Occupation of France. The
Waiting for Godot is chiefly about
allegorical representation of the play
the absurdity of existence both in
is credible in the sense of Beckett’s
this play as well as in normal life as
stay in the first occupied zone during
well. We see Estragon and Vladimir
World War Second when France was
dressed in shabby clothes, indulging
occupied by the Germans. The
in physical activities as well as in
waiting of the tramps looks exactly
cross-talk in music-hall only to pass
like the waiting of the Frenchmen
the time and to wait for a
who lived underground to organize
meaningless promise to fulfil that is
the resistance against the Germans.
likely not to get fulfilled. The play
likely hints that doing nothing is the
Conclusion
only way to avoid being criticized but
as Anwar Ahmad puts it in his post Conclusively, the play incorporates
that it is much difficult to get through various themes to add to the
life without doing nothing. When one meaningful meaninglessness of the
does nothing, one achieves nothing. play. Waiting for Godot has no
definite theme to work on with.
Other Minor Themes Beckett himself asserts that it is
upon the readers to find meaning in
There are other minor themes that
the play. He states,
are scattered here and there in the
play. One of them is the theme of If I could tell you in a sentence,
religion. It is difficult to interpret this I wouldn’t have written the
play as a religious one because of
 play. 1. http://www.askliterature.com/dram
beckett/waiting-for-
Waiting for Godot has distinctive
godot/themes-of-waiting-for-
themes for distinctive people. Only
godot/
the discovery of the readers grants a
2. http://www.literary-
new life to a new theme.
articles.com/2021/04/samuel-
becketts-waiting-for-godot-
Sources and Suggested
major.html
Readings
3. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/W
for-Godot/themes/

Existentialism and Absurdism in Waiting for Godot

By Asad Imran
July 30, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

work is classified as an existential or

Introduction absurd play by the people who tried
to make a meaning out of the play.
Waiting for Godot is said to have
Let’s dive deeper into the absurd and
both absurd as well as existentialist
existential crisis in Waiting for
traits at its disposal. Samuel Beckett
Godot.
himself did not belong to any of the
previously said “schools” of
thoughts. Because there was no
Traits of Absurdism in the
obvious movement behind
Play
absurdism and existentialism. The
l Beckett is said to have the most often to be reflections of dreams
influence in the so-called Theatre of and nightmares; if a good play
the Absurd, notes Martin Esslin in relies on witty repartee and
his book also titled “Theatre of the pointed dialogue, these often
Absurd” which was published in consist of incoherent babblings.
1961. There is no direct definition for
So, the Absurd Plays are a clear
the factors that can contribute in the
deviation from what was already
construction of the absurd theatre.
established among the playwrights.
However, Martin Esslin clearly hints
Here, Martin Esslin lays the
at the chief characteristics of an
foundation of the absurd plays and
absurd play as thus,
which elements constitute an absurd
If a good play must have a play as listed below:
cleverly constructed story, these No plot
have no story or plot to speak of; Minimal or no Characterization
a good play is judged by the No proper beginning or ending
subtlety of characterization and
Unexplained themes
motivation, these are often
Dialogues that make no sense
without recognizable characters
Waiting for Godot checks the
and present the audience with
almost mechanical puppets; a required boxes for being an Absurd

good play has to have a fully play. We see no obvious traces of a

explained theme, which is neatly strong plot. There is no sequence of

exposed and finally solved, these events. Because there is only one
often have neither a beginning event that is the event of waiting.
nor an end; if a good play is to The characterization in Waiting for
hold the mirror up to nature and Godot is minimal. There is no
portray the manners and character development. Two tramps,
mannerisms of the age in finely Estragon and Vladimir remain the
observed sketches, these seem same in the end as they were in the
beginning; trying to give up the idea presented by Martin Heidegger and
of waiting but “they do not move”. Jean Paul Sartre. The theory asserts
that mankind is thrown into a
Another absurdian characteristic in
meaningless universe in which their
Waiting for Godot is the lack of flow.
lives have no (inherent) purpose.
There is no proper beginning or
Humans are put on an absurd
ending of the play. It will be right to
situation by an unknown force. While
say that the play ends at the
Nihilism demonstrates that humans
beginning. Which means the
exist, that is enough. They should
situation of the play remains the
not do anything in this world of
same. Absurd plays usually exhibit
meaninglessness. Waiting for Godot
unexplained themes. That is due to
has the shades of both
the lack of happenings. But Waiting
existentialism as well as nihilism,
for Godot, despite waiting for
probably to show the significance of
happening to occur, has themes that
existentialism over nihilism.
are well-explained by the critics and
readers alike. Lastly, absurd plays In Waiting for Godot, existentialism
are run on absurd dialogues. In is present in two versions. One is
Waiting for Godot, we can easily without God (General concept of
trace out the use of cross-talk like existentialism) while the second is
the jesters in Waiting for Godot. Christian Existentialism that does
Thus proves that Waiting for Godot believe in the existence of God.
has the traits of absurd dramas in it. Keeping in view the general
conception of existentialism, we find
Existential Crisis in the Play Estragon and Vladimir trapped in
waiting with mental suffering and
Waiting for Godot is said to be a
agony exactly like the mental pangs
shining example of an existential
we find in the demonstration of the
play. Yet it is considered to have the
Theory of Existentialism. The agony
roots of nihilism in its core.
of tramps can be found in this line:
Existentialism is a theory that is
 Nothing happens, nobody comes, they were serious about Godot, they
nobody goes, it’s awful. should have searched for him. Or
they should have given up the idea of
The Christian version of
waiting and readied themselves for
existentialism is also present in
some work to change their
Waiting for Godot that involves in the
condition. But their tendency for
discovery of God in the end. The
reliance on someone to change their
particular point is asserted by
lives is what nihilism preaches to
Estragon as thus,
do.

We always find something, eh

Conclusion
Didi, to let us think we exist.
Waiting for Godot showcases the
The question of “who we are” and
absurd existentialism that is
“why we are here in this world” has
affected by the nihilism of the
always been knocking through the
tramps.
minds of every person. Similarly, the
tramps are thrown away into a Sources and Suggested
pointless situation to waiting and Readings
they have no exact clue of their past
and they are not certain about their 1. https://owlcation.com/humanities/
future as well. This has been a the-Existential-Philosophy-of-
problem for all of us too. Samuel-Becketts-Waiting-for-
Godot
Nihilism in Waiting for Godot is
2. http://www.askliterature.com/dram
illustrated through the inaction of the
beckett/waiting-for-
tramps. Existentialism favours work
godot/existentialism-in-waiting-
to add a meaning to one’s
for-godot/
meaningless life. Both Estragon and
3. https://literaturetimes.com/existen
Vladimir are seen doing nothing to
in-waiting-for-godot/
add a meaning to their waiting. If
4. http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css- godot/waiting-for-godot-as-an-
optional-subjects/group-v/english- absurd-play/
literature/7165-waiting-godot- 7. https://www.literaturewise.in/mdl/
existentialism.html id=7
5. https://www.englitmail.com/2020/06/waiting-
8. http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css-
for-godot-absurd-play-by- optional-subjects/group-v/english-
beckett.html literature/7168-waiting-godot-
6. http://www.askliterature.com/drama/samuel-
absurd-play.html
beckett/waiting-for-

Meaning of the Title of The Sea – Play by Edward

Bond

By Asad Imran
July 31, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

which the sea has been painted as a

General Introduction of the destructive as well as a constrictive
Play force of Nature. The title of this play
has many symbolic interpretations
The Sea is a play that has been
as indicated by various critics. The
written by Edward Bond. The play, at
Sea in the sea has been implied as
first, appeared in 1973 showcasing
the symbol of life, death, destruction
the life of the people living in an
and authority.
unknown seaside village in rural East
Anglia. The title of this play has been
aptly borrowed by Shakespeare’s
romantic comedy, The Tempest in
The Sea as a Force of the sea. Mrs. Rafi arranges a play to
Destruction and Death collect money for the coastguard.
But ironically, it is Hatch who
The sea is mainly painted as a purposefully do not answer the call
symbol of death and destruction of help and indulges in molesting the
right from the beginning of the play. body of the dead Collins. Thus, the
In the opening scenes, much like in destruction of the sea is a directly
The Tempest, we see Collins and associated with the violence that is
Willy trapped in a sea-storm. Willy shown by the people like Hatch.
calls for help but is not answered in
time. Collins is drowned. Thus, here
the sea shows itself as a sign of The Sea and the World War
death. But one thing is noteworthy to Two
point out that the death of Collins
Continuing the Sea as a symbol of
not only affects Willy to an extent
distraction, another possible hint
but also the life of Rose to a great
that strikes our minds is the
extent who was going to be married
aftershocks of destruction caused
to him. Thus the sea has far-
by World War Second. Although this
reaching distractive effects. Mrs.
play was written in 1973 but the
Tilehouse refers to the destructive
contemporary society was still under
nature of the sea as thus,
the acidic clouds of the said Great
Oh dear. This terrible sea, this War. For instance, Hatch and his
terrible life. fellows always remain fearful of an
unknown enemy or aliens. The same
The sea also refers to the danger
way people of that time were and
prevailing inside and outside it.
still are, afraid of the mass extinction
Hatch is a coastguard and his main
caused by the nuclear weapons they
duty is to save people from getting
had just invented. Willy alludes to
drowned due to the coarse waves of
the destruction of man in these HATCH. The manufacturers won’t
symbolic terms: deal with me any more.
MRS RAFI. Nor will I.
Perhaps they’re all busy killing HATCH. I’m in a small way of
each other and killing other business, Mrs Rafi. I’m on the
things. black list. I had to pay for all this
before they sent it. And I made
Thus, the fear of aliens, trying to
such a fuss about delivery. All my
occupy the planet earth, is also an
capital has gone into it.
indirect symbol to the fear of
MRS RAFI. You should have
destruction of World War Second.
thought ofthat before. I won’t
have it in the house.

The Sea as a Force of This example shows how

Authority authoritative Mrs. Rafi can get.
Hatch also has his influence on
Lastly, another possible
Carter and Holarcut, and he uses his
interpretation of the sea that is
power to grind his own axe.
supported by the text is the force of
authority. Almost everyone in the
play longs for holding some kind of
Conclusion
authority over someone or
something. For example, Mrs. Rafi Bond successfully adds meaning to
wants to retain her authority over the play by choosing the title that
other people in her village. That is makes the most sense for the play.
why, Mrs. Rafi cancels out the order Conclusively, the significance of the
of the curtains that cost Hatch his title lies in the destruction and power
“whole shop”. An example of her both inside as well as outside of the
authoritative nature can be seen sea. Evens rightfully concludes the
below: dangers in the depths of the sea as
below:
 It doesn’t matter how clear the 1. http://www.askliterature.com/dram
main currents are, you have to bond/the-sea/title-significance-of-
live through the details. It’s bonds-the-sea/
always the details that make 2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_
the tragedy. 3. http://epicnotes1.blogspot.com/20
sea.html

Sources and Suggested

Readings

Character Sketch of Mrs. Rafi in The Sea – A Play by

Edward Bond

By Asad Imran
August 1, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

conflict between the upper and lower

Who is Mrs. Rafi? classes in their contemporary
society. She is on the exploitative
Mrs. Rafi is not only a central figure
side of the aristocratic class and her
of the play, but an authoritative as
exploitation of others is shown
well as the influential lady of the
through her authoritative behaviour.
society in which she lives. No
particular detail is given regarding
the physique of Mrs. Rafi other than
The Authoritative Nature of
the phrase “ageing”. So, she is a
woman of an old age. The character
Mrs. Rafi
of Mrs. Rafi demonstrates the
Mrs. Rafi is first and foremost, an Rafi to keep people under her
authoritative figure of her society. influence.
She does not possess any regard for
the individual freedom of the people Her Artistic Nature
who are under her thumb. She
Another noticeable trait in the
expresses her authoritarian
character of Mrs. Raffi is her artistic
necessity as thus:
nature that is present in some parts

Sometimes I think I am like a of the play. A good example

lighthouse in their world. I give showcasing her artistic taste is her
them a sense of order and conducting of a play annually, not
security. only to satisfy her aristocratic taste
but also as a kind gesture of
But she fails to recognize that sympathy about which we will talk in
people are more capable than what the other paragraph. Even during her
she thinks about her mental calibre. artistic endeavours, Mrs. Rafi
Mrs. Rafi is NOT a lighthouse for the appears commanding. It is Mrs. Rafi
people like Hatch but like the sea who directs the play. If someone is
which keeps the sailors (people like not acting according to her
Hatch) afloat at its own will. We find directions, she rebukes them hard.
her exploitive adventures when she For example, Mrs. Rafi scolds
uses Hatch as her gardener yet he is Mafanwy for not acting of swimming
an ‘independent’ shopkeeper or properly. Thus, Mrs. Rafi does show
draper to be more precise. Mrs. Rafi artistic taste but that is also
orders curtains and then refuses to characterized by her commanding
buy the curtains that Hatch bought behaviour.
by putting the whole income of his
shop at risk is a significant example Some Positive Traits in her
of the manipulative tactics of Mrs. Character
The character of Mrs. Rafi is not expect my class to shout at them.
entirely negative or villainish. She Bully them. They’re disappointed
has also some positive aspects in if you don’t. It gives them
her character. As mentioned before, something to gossip about in
one of the core reasons behind their bars.
arranging the play is to collect
This line uttered by Mrs. Rafi is
money for the coastguards. But her
important in a sense because it
sympathy does not end there. Mrs.
shows why people want to obey
Rafi cancels the order of the curtains
someone because they expect the
that she placed in the shop of Hatch
higher class to be their “masters”.
due to the irresponsibility of Hatch in
saving the life of the drowning Conclusion
Collins,
Despite showing some positive traits
You let an innocent man drown.
in her character, but those traits are
(Mrs. Rafi)
dwarfed by Mrs. Rafi’s authoritative
and commanding behaviour in both
Another positive aspect of the
her matters of the heart as well as in
personality of Mrs. Rafi is her
her artistic endeavours.
realization of her authoritative
nature. She is not like the typical
Sources
dictators who do not accept their
being dictators. Mrs. Rafi knows well 1. https://www.risenotes.com/sea/th
that she is getting old and with her sea-character-of-mrs-rafi.php
ageing life, she cannot hold her 2. Text of The Sea
authority for long:

I’m afraid of getting old. I’ve

always been a forceful woman. I
was brought up to be. People
Edward Bond’s Concept of Violence in The Sea

By Asad Imran
August 4, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

The instances of violence can be

Introduction categorized into two kinds: the ones
that are caused by the Nature itself
The Sea is a play that abounds in the
while the second one is caused by
theme of violence to showcase the
humans. Natural violence has no
outcome and motives behind certain
reason behind its occurrence while
acts of violence. Edward Bond paints
human violence has many reasons
violence just like Jane Austen
behind it that we will discuss in the
portrays manners in her novels.
second paragraph. Natural instances
Bond portrays the violence
of violence in The Sea is caused by,
containing in the Modern Man and
well, the sea itself when it takes
his psychological complexes that
away the life of the drowning Collins.
help in increasing the cults of
While the instance of human
violence in them. Bond is of the view
violence are many. For example,
that text should be used as a vehicle
Hatch attacking Mrs. Rafi through
to convey human beings their share
his pair of scissors; his molesting of
in the violence they have been
the dead body of Collins and his
committing on the planet earth.
attacking of Willy through a club
stick are some notable examples of
human violence prevalent in the play.
Instances of Violence in The
We have collected the sufficient
Sea
evidence of violence in The Sea.
Let’s discover why does violence that come after attempting violence
take place in the play. of any kind. The mentioning of aliens
in the play can be considered as an
Motives behind the Violence indirect symbol for mankind. Take a
in The Sea closer look at this line uttered by
Willy
As mentioned before, there is no
reason behind the violence caused Perhaps they’re all busy killing
by the natural sources like the sea. each other and killing other
But the violence caused by humans things.
has some causes behind its
happening. Hatch’s attacking of Mrs. Although Billy is saying for the aliens
Rafi comes as a reaction to the but a closer dissection of this line
authoritative behaviour of Mrs. Rafi reveals that it is us, the human
when she refuses to buy the ordered beings, who have been busy killing
curtains. Doing so will put Hatch’s each other since the dawn of
shop in an extreme danger zone mankind. One thing to note here is
because he has put all of his money the fact that when the play was
in purchasing curtains. Other two written (1973), the world was still
instances of violences shown by struggling to come out from the fear
Hatch cannot be justified by saying and the distraction caused by World
that the reason behind his attacks War Second. Another reason Bond
are aliens. There is a much bigger gives for the violence is stated as
picture than merely “aliens”. below:

Now we come to the part in which Where there’s life it kills, after all.
we have to demonstrate why has (Evens)
Bond chosen to show violence in
The Sea. His main concern in Here, Bond gives a universal but dark
showcasing violence is to make explanation for the violence caused
humanity learn the consequences by humans. It can be backed up by
the fact that we have made so many In the end, the play exhibits a
advancements in ammunition that didactic purpose that is to extend
the chances of our species going the deadline of the possible mass-
extinct are much higher than ever instinction that can be caused by the
before. violence of humanity through
change. Bond subtly uses the
Also, the analogy “I believe in the rat-
concept of violence to curb violence
catcher” gives an indirect hint at the
in general. Evens line beautifully
violent innocence of the rat (a
sums up the motive of Bond behind
helpless person) who builds defence
his use of violence in the play,
to guard itself against the cat and
then it uses the same defensive
But you must still change the
technology to catch other rats (weak
world.
nations) can be specified as an
indirect satire on the nations those Sources and Suggested
were once weak and then after Readings
gathering much influence, they try to
suppress the weak ones of their 1. Text of The Sea

days. This, thus, leads to an 2. http://epicnotes1.blogspot.com/20

unexpected violence or resistance. sea.html

Conclusion

Who is the father of Modern Drama, Ibsen or Bernard

Shaw?

By Asad Imran
October 30, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama
An Introduction to Modern
Drama Contribution of Ibsen in
Modern Drama
Modern drama is fundamentally
different from the classical drama Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian
we are accustomed to. In classical playwright, was the first to rebel
drama, the manner used to portray against the classical doctrine of
the action is verse. Classical drama playwriting. He is considered the
mostly showed the tragic life of the father of modern drama because of
people of higher class like Oedipus, portraying problems of the common
Othello and King Lear. The classical people through a realistic manner in
comedy only illustrated the lives of a language that was easy for the
people below the racks of normal laymen to understand.
ones. However, the modern drama
Realism
focuses on the tragedy of the
common people, presented through As mentioned before, Ibsen rebelled
the prosaic dialogues. In modern against the romantic caricaturing of
drama, social issues and their life in classical drama. According to
potential solutions are highlighted. him,
The revolution of modern drama was
put in motion by Ibsen and later And the secret of modern
Bernard Shaw. It is difficult to find a literature lies precisely in the
true father of modern drama as the matter of experiences that are
services of both the dramatists are lived through.
of considerable weight. I shall put
After focusing on the line,
forth the contribution of both the
“experiences that are lived through”,
dramatists for you to get a better
it becomes clear that for modern
idea about who is the real father of
literature to thrive, it has to portray
modern drama.
the experiences of real life. Such a Drama for Common People
rule of Ibsen was a fundamental
A notable milestone that Ibsen
point that attracted a host of other
achieved in the promotion of modern
writers and viewers because the era
drama to common people was his
of industrialization and later, war,
use of simple and prosaic diction
was not in favour of romantic
that was geared towards the
idealization. Ibsen bravely depicted
common people. Poetic language
the social plight of the people of his
shows passion while prose is
age to question the set taboos of his
suitable for the display of more
society.
elevated ideas. Therefore, Ibsen
The Problem Plays chose the social and psychological
issues of the common people to
What Ibsen introduced to the general
morally instruct them of leading a
public is known as the problem play
peaceful and purposeful life. Ibsen
or the play of ideas. A problem play
was highly objective in his
mostly ends tragically, giving the
caricaturing of the problems. Hedda
author’s view of the social problem
Gabler is considered to be the most
and its solution, not in a direct
objective play of Ibsen as it gives
manner. At times, it offends critics
little to no hint of the problem of the
and audiences alike. For instance,
women like Hedda Gabler.
Hedda Gabler is a problem play as it
displays the social issue of the Contribution of Bernard Shaw
confinement of women and their in Modern Drama
dreams which result in the suicide of
Hedda. The play also displays the George Bernard Shaw, an Irish

hypocrisy of men through the playwright, essayist and social

character of Brack who is not reformer, is also considered as the

ashamed of ruining the life of a father of modern drama. Shaw is the

married woman. one who propelled the modern

ideology of Ibsen to a more wider the modern drama into literature.
audience with his pleasant and Shaw is the master of dramatic
unpleasant plays with his usual witty stage directions. His directions are
expressions. Let’s explore Shaw’s so vivid that a reading of the play
contribution to modern drama. helps in visualizing the action of the
play through a reader’s imagination.
Original Characterization Shaw was well-aware of the
popularity of novels. But he acquired
The dramatic personages in Shaw’s
the descriptive essence of the novel
plays have a distinct approach to the
and added his distinctive dramatic
art of characterization which is quite
touch to it.
different from what was shown in
romantic plays. As aptly asserted by
Popularized Drama
Nicoll, we find women who are brave
and intellectual in Shaw’s plays as The outcome of the sincere
compared to meak maidens in old contribution of Bernard Shaw came
plays; the strong men of the past in the form of the popularization of
have been replaced with the men of the modern drama. Shaw’s witty
weakness and coarse villainy is characters, paired with an Ibsen-like
transitioned into a helpful tool of the simplicity and exposure of the
society. Thus, Shaw’s characters are taboos of the society, along with
original and appropriate. alive stage directions and preface,
the drama was soon made relevant
Imported Literary Qualities in for poets and the readers of the
Drama
novels alike. Shaw’s contribution

Another notable contribution of was followed by a host of new

Shaw to modern drama is his writers who further made plays

inclusion of some of the notable relevant, famous and appealing to

literary qualities. He experimented the general masses.

with a number of techniques to turn

Conclusion Sources and Suggested
Readings
It is difficult to decide who is the true
father of Modern Drama based on 1. Hedda Gabler Study Guide by
contribution. But I cast my vote for NKM – Page 32
Ibsen because Shaw expanded the 2. Arms and The Man Critical
vision of Ibsen. Therefore, Ibsen is Studies by Famous Products –
the father of modern drama. Page 19

Modern British Drama after World War 2

By Asad Imran
November 1, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

and such a rapid shift provided a

Introduction new opportunity for drama in Britain
to thrive. The second phase of the
World War Second had a profound
modern drama was greatly
effect on the economy and the
influenced by both the internal and
people of Britishers. From a
external turmoil caused by the
historical context, after the fierce
second Great War. Therefore,
brutalities of the war, The Great
pessimism and meaninglessness of
Britain had lost a great toll of her
life are two main distinctive
people as well as her “claimed
identifying factors behind the post-
territories”. Although America gained
war drama. Let’s explore different
a significant share in moulding the
movements and new adaptations of
destiny of the whole world after her
victory, Britain suffered a great deal
the British Drama after World War The Absurdist Theatre features plays
Second. that portray the meaninglessness of
life. Samuel Beckett is the chief
among the English Absurdist
Angry Young Men Movement playwrights. He is famous for his
play, Waiting for Godot which
Angry Young Men was the first
features an absurd and meaningless
movement that was directly
quest of two tramps, Estragon and
influenced by the war. It was an
Vladimir, for an unknown person
artistic movement that focused on
known as Godot. The whole play
the display of social and economical
centres around Godot but he does
issues of the working class. The
not show up to satisfy the tramps.
term was derived from John
Waiting for Godot is a unique play
Osborne’s play, Look Back in Anger
that does not show any development
which featured an unsuccessful
from the plot. The play ends at the
marriage of a working-class man
beginning.
and a middle-class woman. These
kinds of plays were also known as Radio Plays
Kitchen Sink Plays. The plays are
known for their cramped apartments Being affordable and easily

with poor neighbours. Some available, radio sets exploded in

examples of these plays include like, popularity all around the globe after

Roots by Arnold Wesker and One Fat the world war. The Post-war era

Englishman by Amis. proved fruitful for the development

of radio plays. BBC Radio was the
The Theatre of the Absurd platform of choice for Radio Dramas
to thrive. Many already performed
The Absurdist Theatre is the second
plays were converted and adapted to
prominent phase in the post-war
be broadcast on the radio. The
plays. As is obvious from the name,
popular radio dramatist was Caryl
Churchill and her first drama was excessively available to the general
aired in 1962 which was known as people via Radio.
The Ants. By the 1973, 9 plays of her
were broadcast on the radio which Sources and Suggested
paved her way for the Royal Court Readings
Theatre. Apart from plays, novels
1. https://englishsummary.com/mod
were also converted to radio plays
english-drama-characteristics/
like Like Men Betrayed.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twen

Conclusion century_English_literature
3. https://www.easternct.edu/speiche
Thus, British Drama after World War literary-history-all/british-
Second saw many innovations and literature-after-wwii.html
adaptations which made it

In Search of Truth in The Sea – A Play by Edward

Bond

By Asad Imran
November 3, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

prevailing in Waiting for Godot.

General Introduction Instead of showcasing the
meaninglessness of life, The Sea
The Sea by Edward Bond is a notable
emphasizes on the discovery of
play of its kind. The Sea came long
truth. Different characters in the play
after Waiting for Godot. Therefore,
hold different opinions on truth and
this play is quite different from the
attempt to find the truth in their own
theme of meaninglessness
ways. Let’s discover how they find People will rally round the truth.
their own version of the truth. You’ll see many signs and
wonders in the days to come.

Thus, he is hopeful that the other

Truth for Mr. Hatch
people shall realize the existence of
The apparent antagonist of the play, aliens. But the play signals that we
Mr. Hatch believes in his truth that humans are the aliens Hatch is so
aliens are about to attack the people fearful of because his description of
living on the planet earth. He fears the conflict between the aliens looks
that his people shall be captured and exactly like the two grand conflicts
manipulated by the aliens. But humanity has suffered from.
people do not believe in his
‘theoretical truth’. But in order to
Truth for Mrs. Rafi
prove his assumption, Hatch resorts
Mrs. Rafi, the protagonist of the play,
to the means of violence. For
is the voice of authority and power. It
instance, he attacks Mrs. Rafi
is difficult for a ruler to realize the
through knife when she refuses to
truth of the immortality of his
purchase the curtains for Hatch to
authority. But Mrs. Rafi, despite
put his whole shop at stake.
many flaws in her character, believes
Similarly, he molests the dead body
in the immortality and temporal
of Collins thinking of him as an alien
nature of her authority over other
monster,
town’s people.

The army knows you’re here. The

They wheel you where they like.
whole country’s turning out. We’ll
‘Take me there.’ ‘You went there
smash you .
yesterday. We want to go the
other way.’ ‘Take me down to the
Moreover, Hatch believes in the ‘fact’
beach. I want to see the sea.’ ‘You
that,
don’t want to see the sea. You
 saw the sea yesterday. The wind’s Thus, Evans’ version of truth
bad for your head. If you suggests that the ultimate fate of a
misbehave and catch a cold we’ll civilization is death and it is very
shut you up in bed. You’ll stay likely to happen sooner or later.
there for good this time.’
As far as Willy’s philosophical quest

And her assumption is affirmed by for truth is concerned, he is of the

her own niece, Rose, as she reveals, view that one must plunge into the
sea and look for the truth which is
She’s a bully and only the weak wanting for the one concerned
ones like being bullied. about,

Thus, Mrs. Rafi’s assumption is true The truth’s waiting for you, it’s
about her authoritative self. very patient, and you’ll find it.

Truth for Evans and Willy Conclusion

Evans’ views on truth are rather Conclusively asserting, the quest for
cynical while Willy is philosophical in the truth stands true, both literally
the pursuit of truth. The nature of and figuratively, be it Hatch’s
their truth is revealed during their assumption, Mrs. Rafi’s
final conversations after dodging the foreshadowing and Willy’s
attack of Mr. Hatch on them. Evans philosophical remarks.
version of truth centres around the
violent nature of humanity. He Source
asserts,
1. Text of The Sea
Where there’s life it kills, after all.

The Sea as a Tragi-Comedy – A Play by Edward Bond

By Asad Imran
November 4, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

of Collins, a well-loved person in the

An Introduction un-named town. This tragic
beginning affects the whole play.
The Sea by Edward Bond is a
The unfortunate death of Collins is
remarkable play despite its absence
used to symbolically project the
from B R Mullick’s book. The play
foreshadowing of something terrible
first appeared in 1973 and its fame
to happen in future. Considering the
grew because of the black humour
timeline of the play (1907), it
or black comedy in it. Black Comedy
becomes clear that his death is
is a genre in which pleasant
signalling at the arrival of World War
scenarios are depicted under the
First.
dark shadows of dismal happenings.
Although the play bears the subtitle
The Play of Orpheus and its
of a comedy. But The Sea is a tragi-
Tragic Significance
comedy as it implies the elements of
both a tragedy and comedy. Let us There is a play within a play. The Sea
explore what is tragic and what is accompanies the mythological and
comic in the play. tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice.
This play is a love-based tragedy.
Orpheus is an enchanting musician
The Tragic Beginning who falls in love with the most
beautiful nymph, Eurydice. Upon
The Sea opens in The Tempest but
their marriage, Eurydice is bit by a
this time, the tempest is not
snake in the forest. She dies. But
programmed by Prospero and his
their bond of love is so strong that
Ariel. The opening is tragic because
Orpheus decides to use his lyre to
the storm in the sea claims the life
enter into the underworld and who will eventually attack and
reclaim his beloved. He is occupy humans. He does not help
successful in scoring her again but Collins because he considers both
as he looks back when he gets into Willy and Collins are under the
the living world, Eurydice is lost for influence of aliens. Such a
good because she is still in the negligence paves his way for his
underworld when Orpheus looks at tragic overture as Mrs. Rafi cancels
her. The tale is sad and tragic, and the order of the expensive curtains
affects many characters in the for Hatch put his whole income of
actual play. But it must be noted that his shop at stake. In order to “defend
the core theme of the Grecian his stance”, Hatch attacks Mrs. Rafi,
tragedy is woven into the actual play. thus using violence to defend his
The helplessness of Orpheus is right. Despite his attempt, the
paralleled with the helplessness of damage is done.
Willy during the storm; of Mr. Hatch
on account of the cancellation of the A Comic Ending
order placed by Mrs. Rafi and of the
For the most part, the atmosphere of
helplessness of Mrs. Rafi in her
the play remains tragic. But there are
ageing.
little comic reliefs here and there.
For instance, Mrs. Tilehouse sleeps
The Tragedy of Hatch
during the lecture of Mrs. Rafi. But
Mr. Hatch, a draper of forty years old, the ending of the play is that of a
is responsible for the tragic demise comedy. . The Sea ends with the
of Collins. Because, as a coastguard, optimistic unification of Willy and
it was his duty to save the drowning Rose. Apart from their unification, it
person. But he himself has seeds of is their conversation that is a
tragedy in his character. The major remarkable essence of the play. Both
tragic flaw in Hatch is his assumed of them believe that the truth is
‘truth’ in the existence of the aliens waiting to be discovered. What
matters is a personal determination. Sources and Suggested
Keeping in view the symbolic Readings
ignorance of Hatch, it is obvious that
the author wants to convey that war 1. https://www.greeka.com/greece-

is a hateful show of ignorance. It is myths/orpheus-eurydice/

the quest for truth that can make 2. https://www.facebook.com/Studym

people realize their tragic ignorance.

Conclusion

Thus, The Sea is a dark tragi-comedy

because it begins and expands its
scope of action tragically, but it ends
on a comically optimistic note.

Character Analysis of Hatch in The Sea – A Play by

Edward Bond

By Asad Imran
November 5, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

dealer, ‫)پردے بیچنے واال‬, a coast guard.

Who is Hatch? As far as his physical features are
concerned, he is fortyish, with oiled
Apparently, Mr. Hatch is the
hair, flat face and pale-blue eyes. In
antagonist of the play. But his
the play, he appears both sane and
character is a complex blend of both
insane while his instincts are stirred
negative and tragic qualities. By
according to a situation. Although he
profession, he is a draper (cloth
lives in his world of illusion, but he A Subtle Businessmen
appears as a symbolic prophet. Let
us unfold the deeper mysteries When Hatch is in his senses, he

hidden in his character. emerges as a clever businessman

who uses every possible tactic to
lure customers into purchasing from

The Sane Insane his shop. But in the play, he uses his
tact to defend himself when Mrs.
Mr. Hatch possesses both sanity Rafi questions his negligence in
and insanity. As mentioned before, saving Collins. Hatch asserts that
his behaviour changes according to Willy’s tale is based on lies. Hatch
his role as well as the situation. shouted the instructions to Willy but
Hatch is saner when he is a draper. he could not hear them.
Whereas, he loses his sanity when
he wears the uniform of the The gentleman was hallucinated.
Shocked. I shouted instructions
coastguard. He hatches his own
to him. I tried to help.
realm of illusion that sooner or later,
aliens shall attack the humanity and
In another instance, he uses his
occupy the planet. He believes that
clever hypocrisy to shift the blame of
aliens have penetrated into humans
cutting the corpse from him to Willy.
like Willy and Collins. This is the sole
Thus, he appears as a subtle
reason he does not rescue the
hypocrite when he is in the suit of a
drowning men from sinking into the
businessman.
sea and molesting the dead body of
Collins. Apart from the existence of His Tragedy
aliens, what else drives him mad is
the injustice of the influential people Despite many villainish attributes,

of the unnamed town which we shall Mr. Hatch becomes a tragic

discuss in his tragedy. antagonist. As asserted before,

Hatch becomes crazy when
something unjust is inflicted on him. It must be kept in mind that the play
Contextually adding, Mrs. Rafi features the story timeline of 1907,
ordered expensive curtains to Hatch. just seven years before the
As soon as she learned that Hatch beginning of World War First. As far
was responsible for the death of as the symbolic significance of the
Collins, she cancelled the order in character itself is concerned, Hatch
order to remind him of his duties. It denotes to the instinctive adherence
must be noted that Hatch had put to violence in pursuit of one’s
the worth of his whole shop into desires. Similarly, his belief in the
Mrs. Rafi’s order. Cancelling it would existence of aliens and their
make him bankrupt. The bankruptcy quarrelsome behaviour, combined
of his shop is truly tragic on his part with Hatch’s caveat of their arrival
because, symbolically mean one of the most
horrible conflict of humanity, ever
My name, my goodwill, my whole
witnessed before by the mortal
life’s work is at stake. I’m on the
humans. Resultantly, Hatch, at last,
edge of a terrible disaster.
is introduced as a symbolic prophet,

His tragedy is brought upon him foreshadowing World War First.

because of his own tragic flaw of

Conclusion
believing in his concocted illusion of
aliens. Desperate and helpless, he Conclusively, the character of Hatch
attacks Mrs. Rafi, considering she is is largely centred around his villainy
in the shadow of an alien who is with a hidden catharsis of his
about to ruin his source of livelihood tragedy.
and his reputation tragically.
Sources and Suggested
A Symbolic Prophet Readings

The character of Mr. Hatch and his 1. Text of The Sea

assumed illusion are both symbolic.
2. https://www.facebook.com/StudymodeUOS/posts/1000222616797705

Symbols and Themes in The Sea – A Play by Edward

Bond

By Asad Imran
November 6, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

The Sea carries the following

Introduction symbols:

The Sea by Edward Bond is filled The Sea

with numerous symbols and themes.
Being a modern drama, the use of From the title to the actual sea, The
themes and symbols becomes Sea has been symbolized for the
essential to broaden the scope of rewarding as well as critical
the meaning of the play. Prominent challenges of life. The Sea also
symbols in this play include, the sea, appears as a symbol of different
aliens, Hatch’s shop and the opportunities to excel in life as well.
characters. As far as themes of the The ‘uncontrollable’ storm in the sea
play are concerned, the following has been utilized as a symbol of
themes can be traced throughout the destruction. The Sea is unavoidable,
play, the conflict between individual as is asserted by Mafanway,
and society, political, social and
In this town, you can’t get away
moral depravity, and change.
from sea.

The UFOs
Symbols
The Unidentified Flying/Foreign embodiment of sincerity, sanity,
Object (UFO) has a direct rationality and love; Mrs. Rafi, the
association with aliens. UFOs are mindset of a dictator; Mrs.
used as the symbol of fear, the fear Tilehouse, for hypocrisy; Collins for
of change and technological talent and love; Rose, love and
innovation. Similarly, aliens are the innocence, and Hatch, a symbol of
symbol of creatures loving insanity, jealousy and irrationality.
skirmishes and violence, thus
representing us, the war-loving Themes
humans.
The notable themes of this play are:

Hatch’s Shop
Individual vs. Society
The items inside the shop of Hatch
The theme of the preservation of
are highly symbolic. The clinging
individuality from the norms of
doorbell of his shop symbolically
society has been a common theme
indicates the incoming lurking
of the plays written in the twentieth
danger (in the form of World War
century. The Sea also exhibits this
First). The cancellation of the order
theme through almost every
of expensive curtains by Mrs. Rafi
character. Everyone in the play
symbolizes the hollow morality of
strives for an elevation in his or her
the modern and educated people.
respect and status in the society. On

The Characters the other hand, characters like Mrs.

Rafi struggle for the retention of
Almost every character in The Sea authoritative individuality through
stands symbolically for something the means of questionable ‘justice’.
else in the play. Evans stands for half For instance, Mrs. Rafi, in the play,
sanity and half insanity while his selects the role of Eurydice, the
drinking symbolizes for the escape female protagonist whereas she
from society. Willy becomes an gives Mafanway the role of the dog.
Similarly, Hatch is worried about his Acceptance of change is the core
own reputation in his friends and theme of this play. The setting of
suppliers in the midst of UFOs and this play co-relates with the time
aliens. period of industrialization. It must be
noted that the monarchy of
Political, Social and Moral machines had made people
Bankruptcy
indifferent to each other and

Another theme of this play is the materialism was at its peak. It

condemnation of political, social and looked like people accepted the

moral depravity. As far as political benefits of industrialization but did

instability is concerned, the not accept the change. However,

democratic equality is abused by the Bond, through this play, asserts that

retention of power and authority of people must accept the change as

Mrs. Rafi over other town’s people. the change is mostly associated

The social and moral decline is with hope . This theme is expressed

shown by Mrs. Rafi and Hatch. through Evans,

Hatch is a morally depraved person

But you must still change the
who not only shows his negligence
world.
from his duties by letting Collins
drown as well as snipping the dead Conclusion
body of Collins through his sheers.
Similarly, Mrs. Rafi’s execution of Thus, The Sea packs quite an
‘justice’ is flawed as she unjustly impressive set of symbols and
makes Hatch go bankrupt by themes which highlight the core
cancelling the order of the expensive motivation for the play and also
curtains. illustrate the skilful mastery of
Edward Bond.
Change
Sources and Suggested
Readings
1. https://www.facebook.com/StudymodeUOS/posts/1000222616797705

The Cherry Orchard as a Social and Political Play

By Asad Imran
November 8, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Division in the Class

Introduction
In Russia, the class division
The Cherry Orchard is a play of
continued to create a divided
political change that communist
atmosphere for the privileged and
Russia observed in its 1917s. The
unprivileged people. The division
play basically highlights the social
existed between the aristocratic
and political rise of the working
class and the serfs. Before the
class as well as the decline of the
Communist Revolution, the
aristocratic or feudal class. While
aristocratic class enjoyed luxury,
also shedding a light to the reaction
power and a great deal of privileges,
of the higher class on change. They
not to mention a gigantic patch of
were uncertain about the change
lands. But all such privileges were
which was knocking at their
made possible through the hard
doorsteps. Let’s begin dissecting
work of serfs yet they were not
The Cherry Orchard as a Political
allowed to enter into the kitchens of
Play from the division of classes at
their masters. Lopakhin gives an
the time of the Communist
account of the condition of the
Revolution.
serfs,
 I’ve bought the estate where my master. However, upon being
grandfather and my father were awarded with the rights, Lopakhin is
slaves, where they weren’t even not only able to develop his own
allowed into the kitchen. business, but also able to surpass
the aristocratic class by claiming
It is also notable that the feudal
their own Cherry Orchard into his
aristocratic class did nothing to
possession.
justify their luxurious life. However,
the backbone behind their luxury The cherry orchard is mine now,
depended on their serfs. It created a mine! My God, my God, the cherry
host of problems for them when the orchard’s mine!
season of change came in.
Reaction by the Aristocrats
The Rise of Working Class
The play also highlights the reaction
The Cherry Orchard realistically of the Feudal class over the
portrays the social change taking downgrade to their social status. It is
place in both the class. However, obvious that they are not happy with
after serfs were awarded with their the change. When serfdom is
respective rights. Thus, the abandoned, they have nothing
possibility to elevate their social special to do except to move into
status became possible. They were another country. For instance,
allowed to run their own business as Lyubov and her family shift in Paris,
well as to purchase estates. Such France. She lavishly bestows her
development of progress for the wealth on a disloyal “lover” of hers.
common working class is shown Resultantly, she and her family is
through the character of Lopakhin. unable to meet their expenses. She
As he himself asserted, he was the and her family are rather unfit for the
grandson of the “slaves” who worked job because they spent their life
day and night in the fields of their doing nothing. Therefore, the only
option left for their financial stability Conclusion
is to utilize their Cherry Orchard.
Lopakhin, being a practical person, Thus, The Cherry Orchard by Anton

gives a piece of practical advice to Chekhov realistically conveys the

build cottages and lease them. The political and social outburst of the

advice is rejected because the Communist change that made the

aristocratic class is still obsessed serfs the active contributors for their

with their past of possessions (and society.

this is the core reaction of the

Sources and Suggested
aristocratic class on the change).
Readings
The auctioning of Cherry Orchard
deprives the aristocrats of their 1. http://askliterature.com/drama/an
‘valuable’ assets. But the reaction of chekhov/the-cherry-orchard/the-
the young aristocrats is optimistic as cherry-orchard-as-social-and-
Anya resolutes, political-play/
2. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/T
We’ll plant a new garden, finer
Cherry-Orchard/context/
than this.

Depiction of Social Issues in Hedda Gabler

By Asad Imran
November 9, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Hedda Gabler, a well-known play by

Introduction Henrik Ibsen, is a play that
realistically highlights the social
issues of its time. It is a well-known
fact that it was Ibsen who kick- an independent life after the death of
started the movement of Modern her father but,
Drama. The chief feature of Modern
I’d danced myself out. That was
Drama was a realistic portrayal of
all. My time was up.
the social issues instead of
romanticizing or glorifying
Hedda wanted to see herself as a
something. Hedda Gabler highlights
horse rider or politician. But crippled
the social issues of the confinement
by the cries of her society, she
of women, freedom of men to do
pursued marriage.
anything and the aftermath of
confinement. Freedom of Men

Another issue that this play presents

Confinement of Women is rather contrasted with the

confinement of women. Man of the
In the Victorian Era, the role of Victorian Era has all the freedom to
women was only determined to be do whatever he likes to. Apart from
chaste and to be married. But as the freedom, man is considered as a
French Revolution began to influence guardian of the chastity of woman.
many people, the sense of freedom The social issue related to the
was given more importance. The freedom of man is the exploitation
idea of the freedom of women was of that freedom by pursuing negative
so modern at that time that many actions. Men in Hedda Gabler are
people turned against it. In Hedda presented in not a good light. George
Gabler, the play, the confinement of Tesman, though he purchases a new
women is shown through Hedda home for Hedda, still does not offer
Gabler. Just like any other Victorian her the company she needs despite
woman, Hedda Gabler is afraid of the six-month long honeymoon. But
her society. From the text, it is the knavish person out of the bunch
obvious that Hedda wanted to lead is Judge Brack. He is not hesitant to
ruin the life of a married lady only for people like Judge Brack know that
a triangular yet sexual relationship. “people can perhaps have the ability
to do such things”.
The Aftermath of the
Confinement of Women Conclusion

The character of Hedda Gabler is a Hedda Gabler, The Play appropriately

prime example to showcase the highlights the hypocritical as well as
aftermath of such a confinement. monopolistic freedom of men as
Being a daughter of a general and well as the unjust confinement of
upon seeing the injustice in the form women which is the core reason
of the monopolistic freedom of men, behind the negative aftermath as is
she is ambitious to change “a man’s shown through the character of
destiny”. In the play, Hedda Hedda Gabler.
desperately tries to mould Loevborg
after Thea successfully moulds him Sources and Suggested
to his redemption. Hedda does this Readings
because she “is bored to death”. In
1. Lectures of Sir Hassam Akbar
Hedda’s attempts in making
2. This article was written on the
Loevborg “free again”, Hedda falls a
basis of my own understanding of
prey to Brack’s blackmailing. Upon
this play. If some contextual
losing her own domestic freedom,
errors are found, kindly comment
Hedda thinks no other than suicide
below.
to reclaim her freedom and to let

List of Important Long Questions of Modern Drama in

2022 for MA English Literature Part 2 – Sargodha
University
By Asad Imran
December 4, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

4. A Tragedy or a Black Comedy

Hedda Gabler 5. Bond’s Concept of Violence in The
Sea
1. As a Tragedy and Reasons behind
6. Meaning of the Title
Her Tragedy
2. Reflection of Social Issues in Waiting for Godot
Hedda Gabler
3. Role of Female Characters 1. Existentialism and Nihilism
4. Significance of the title 2. As an Absurd Play
5. Symbolism 3. The Theme of Waiting
6. Character Sketch of Hedda Gabler 4. Other Themes
5. Tragedy or Comedy
Arms and The Man 6. Significance of Lucky’s Speech
7. Beckett as a Dramatist
1. Shaw as a Realist
8. Similarities and Difference
2. Reversal of Values in Arms and
between Estragon and Viladmir
the Man
9. Symbolism
3. Shaw as a Socialist
4. The Shavian Hero in Arms and the Cherry Orchard
Man
1. As a Political Play – Or Political
The Sea Change
2. As a Tragic Comedy
1. Character of Mrs. Rafi and Mr.
3. Character Sketch of Lyubov
Hatch
4. Character Sketch of Lopakhin
2. Use of Symbols and Metaphors
5. As a Naturalistic Play
3. Responsibility of Individual in
6. Importance of the Title
Search of Truth
Other Topics 2. Who is the Father of Modern
Drama, Ibsen or Shaw?
1. The Main Features of British
Drama after World War 2

Modern Drama – Past Papers – MA English Literature

– Part 2 – Sargodha University

By Asad Imran
December 24, 2021
Categories: Modern Drama

Time Allowed: 3 Hours 3. Define tragi-cemedy giving two

Total Marks: 100 examples of this particular geare?

Passing Marks: 40 (As of 2020) 4. What is relation of Varya to Mrs.

Note: Objective part is compulsory. Ranevsky?
Attempt any four questions from the 5. What is the setting of the play
subjective part. “The Sea”?
6. Who is Mr Evans?
2021 7. Where does Bluntschli hide
himself?
Short Questions
8. Why do Vladimir and Estagen
1. Describe the physical personality want to commit suicide?
of Hedda Gabler? 9. What changes Pozzo and Lucky in
2. What is the attitude of Hedda Act-II?
Ciabler towards other female 10. What is the opinion of Sergius
characters in the play “Hedda about the art of soldiering?
Gabler”?
Long Questions
1. The Cherry Orchard truly 2. Why is Hedda so cruel to other
represents a decaying order which female in the play?
cannot sustain itself for long. 3. From what class struggle does
Comment Louka pass?
2. What is meant by the Theatre of 4. Compare the thematic and
the Absurd? How far Waiting for structural unity of Waiting for
Godot can be termed as an Godot”?
Absurd Play? 5. What does the falling of axe stand
3. Hedda Gabler is a tragedy in a true for in ‘The Cherry Orchard’?
sense. Do you agree with this 6. How is carrot used as a symbol in
statement? Substantiate your “Waiting for Godot”?
stance with special reference to 7. Mention the major fear of Mrs.
Aristotle’s concept of tragedy Rafi.
4. What are the contributions of 8. Briefly introduce Epic Theatre.
Henrik Ibarn und GB Shaw to the 9. What is primarily anti-romantic in
development and growth of ‘Arms and the Man’?
modern English drama? 10. Define Naturalism.
5. Discuss Arms and the man as an
anti-romantic comedy
Long Questions
6. Critically analyze the character of
1. The play ‘Hedda Gabler’ focuses
Mrs. Refi in The Sea.
on certain clashes between the
aristocracy and the bourgeoisie.
2020
Point out those clashes and their
Short Questions effects on man and society.
2. How do you take the play “The
1. In what two ways is the theme of Sea’ – a light-hearted tragedy or a
motherhood introduced in ‘Hedda black comedy? Quote text to
Gabler’? support your answer.
3. Evaluate ‘The Cherry Orchard’ as a 4. How do Willy and Rose create
briefing on social and economic their personal maturity?
depression in the contemporary 5. What is the importance of tree in
Russia. ‘Waiting for Godot’?
4. A Shavian character has certain 6. Briefly describe Bond’s concept of
specifications. Who is a real Violence.
Shavian character in ‘Arms 7. Why is there no climax to Waiting
and the Man’ and on what for Godot”?
grounds? 8. Why does Raina prefer Bluntchili
5. Describe the various symbols to Sergius?
used in ‘Waiting for Godot’. 9. Why does Judge Brack never
6. Explain the given lines: marry?
10. Define Naturalism.
“I’m like that. Either I forget right
away or I never forget.”
Long Questions
“Suffering is a human language and
everything that has a voice is a 1. How would a Pakistani

human. “ audience/reader take Hedda?

Detestable? Captivating?
2019 Admirable? something else?
2. Does Waiting for Godot provide a
Short Questions solution to the problems of
present day man? If yes, how? If
1. What is the importance of home
no, why not?
in Hedda Gabler”?
3. “Everything I touch seems
2. Who can be called Chekov’s
destined to turn into something
spokesman in ‘The Cherry
mean and farcical.”
Orchard’ and why?
4. Shaw is predominantly realistic
3. What is the main character flaw of
but deviations are still there. How
Trofimov in “The Cherry Orchard’?
much realistic and unrealistic
 does he appear in ‘Arms and the 7. Give a brief estimate of Yasha?
Man’? Quote text where 8. What does sea in ‘The Sea’
necessary. symbolize”?
5. Evaluate “The Cherry Orchard’ as 9. Why do Vladimir and Estragon
a political play. want to commit suicide?
6. Critically analyze the character of 10. What are the major themes of
Mrs. Rafi (“The Sea’). Explain the Bond’s plays?
given lines: 11. Why is ‘Waiting for Godot written
only in two acts?
“Everything I touch seems destined
to turn into something mean and
Long Questions
farcical.”

“Life has gone by as if I never lived.” 1. ‘Hedda Gabbler’s character

anticipates the modern
2018 emancipated woman who
invariably places herself in
Short Questions opposition to the traditional
maternal role’. Elaborate.
1. Describe the physical features of
2. ‘The Cherry Orchard’ truly
Hedda Gabbler.
represents a decaying order which
2. From where do Hedda and George
cannot sustain itself for long.”
return when the play opens?
Comment
3. Why is G.B.Shaw call an
3. What is Theatre of Absurd? How
iconoclast?
far *Waiting for Godot can be
4. Who says in ‘Arms and the Man”:
called as an Absurd play?
5. “Soldiering, my dear, is the
4. What does Bond gain by inserting
coward’s art of attacking when
the classical tragedy of Orpheus
you are strong and keeping out of
with in the tragedy of modern
harm’s way when you are weak”.
world in ‘The Sea’?
6. Who does purchase Cherry
Orchard? What does it signify?
5. Shaw’s aim is to destroy illusions another’s noses, but life goes its
and to compel his audience to own way all the time”.
face realities. Discuss Arms and 8. What did anya do in Paris?
the Man in the light of this remark. 9. Differentiate between theme and
6. Discuss the main features of motif.
British drama after the World War- 10. Give a pen-picture of Rose with
11. reference to ‘The Sea’.

2017 Long Questions

Short Questions 1. Should “Hedda Gabler’ be

considered a tragedy? How does
1. Mention Hedda’s life before and it adhere (Or not adhere) to tragic
after marriage. characterization, structure, or
2. Why is Hedda called “a female catharsis?
Hamlet” in ‘Hedda Gabler’? 2. ‘Arms and the Man’ is an attempt
3. How does Act 1 of ‘Arms and the on ‘reversal of values’. Elucidate.
Man’ introduce the themes of the 3. Is ‘Waiting for Godot’ about Godot
play? or Wait? Justify your answer with
4. Who says in ‘Arms and the Man’: strong arguments.
“Act as if you expected to have 4. How does the comic element in
your own way, not as if you “The Cherry Orchard” enhance the
expected to be ordered about”? tragic impact of the play?
5. What does Lucky’s “Dance in a 5. Examine Edward Bond’s use of
Net’ symbolize? symbolism, metaphor and
6. What benefit does Pozzo get from surrealism in “The Sea”.
his blindness? 6. Who deserves the better claim as
7. Who says in “The Cherry Orchard”: “the father of modern drama” and
“Well, good-bye, old man. It’s time how— Ibsen or Shaw?
to get. Here we stand pulling one
2016 2. How does Shaw in “Arms and the
Man’ reconsider romance and
Short Questions heorism in the light of realism?
3. Point out the similarities and
1. Describe the physical appearance
dissimilarities present between
of Hedda.
Vladimir and Estragon.
2. Why is Hedda so cruel to other
4. Class conflict is quite evident in
females in “Hedda Gabler”?
“The Cherry Orchard”. Prove with
3. What is Raina’s nickname for
examples from the text.
Bluntschli?
5. What is the role of Mrs. Rafi in the
4. In what ways is Captain Bluntschli
play “The Sea”?
an Anti-hero?
6. What are the contribution of Shaw
5. Discuss Beckett’s attitude toward
and Ibsen to modern drama?
hope in “Waiting for Godot”.
6. What is the function of the boy in
2015
“Waiting for Godot”?
7. What is Varya’s relation to Mrs. Short Questions
Ranavksy?
1. For what physical feature does
8. Why does Trophimov not accept
Hedda not like Thea?
Lopakhin’s money?
2. In what extraordinary way does
9. What are the Vicar’s views about
Hedda greet Judge Brack. When
Colin?
he comes to tell about the
0. How does Bond criticize religion
purchase of a villa?
with regard to the aristocratic
3. How does Shaw employ irony in
class?
the opening lines of “Arms and
Long Questions The Man’?
4. How did Petkoff become a major?
1. Describe the major social issues
5. Why is “Waiting for Godot” in two
reflected by the play “Hedda
acts?
Gabler”.
6. Explain the idea of pairing 3. How far is it correct to say that
throughout “Waiting for Godot’. “Waiting for Godot” voices the
7. What is the metaphoric infinite hope and despair of man
significance of sea in “The Sea”? about the future of humanity?
8. Why does Mrs. Rafi arrange a 4. Why does Bond refuse to suggest
play? a solution to the problems of the
9. What does Charlotta’s character society? What are the
represent in “The Cherry recommendations made in “The
Orchard”? Sea” regarding the responsibility
0. How is Dunyasha an especially of the individual in the search of
Ironic Character? the truth?
5. How does the comic element in
Long Questions “The Cherry Orchard” enhance the
tragic impact of the play?
1. Who is responsible for the
6. Discuss the main features of
destruction of Hedda—Fate or
drama after the World War-II.
Society? Give examples to prove
your point. 2014
2. How does Sergius’ view of war
differ from Bluntschli’s?