I have to plan for an essay. The essay is to do with Arcadia. I'm having a bit of difficulty. Why is Arcadia an artificial play?
Please help
Here are a couple of sites on that play by Tom Stoppard.
http://www.cherwell.oxon.sch.uk/arcadia/outline0.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcadia_(play)
I think in order to write this essay, you will first need to define the word "articifial"... in regard to playwrighting.
Thank you for your help. What I think it means is why does the play appear to be seen as unrealistic, not real.
I think maybe partly it's artificial because of the lack of movement (takes place in one room) and the complexity of the material (the maths, the themes...)
By George, I think you got it! Good thinking. <G>
To understand why Arcadia is considered an artificial play, we first need to briefly discuss what the term "artificial play" means in the context of theater.
An artificial play refers to a style of drama that emphasizes artifice, abstraction, and intellectual ideas over realistic representation. It often uses complex language, poetic dialogue, and philosophical themes to challenge and engage the audience's intellect. Artificial plays tend to be more concerned with the exploration of ideas and concepts rather than realistic depictions of characters and events.
In the case of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia, it is commonly considered an artificial play due to several key factors:
1. Concealed setting: The play takes place in two different time periods: the early 19th century and the present day. The setting continuously shifts between these periods, and the characters from both eras coexist on the same stage. This manipulation of time and space creates an artificial and non-realistic dimension.
2. Complex themes: Arcadia delves into a range of complex themes such as chaos theory, mathematics, literature, philosophy, and romanticism. These intellectual explorations add a layer of abstraction, making the play more conceptual and intellectually stimulating.
3. Verbal dexterity: Stoppard's play is known for its highly intricate and poetic language. The characters engage in witty banter, engage in intricate wordplay, and deliver lengthy monologues filled with philosophical musings. This verbosity and linguistic complexity contribute to the artificiality of the play.
4. Theatrical devices: Stoppard employs various dramatic and theatrical devices, such as parallel narratives, symbolism, and metatheatricality (where the play comments on itself as a work of theater). These devices heighten the artificiality by emphasizing the construction and manipulation of the theatrical form itself.
By incorporating these elements, Stoppard intentionally distances the play from strict realism and constructs a world that invites the audience to engage intellectually and philosophically. The artificiality of Arcadia allows for a deeper exploration of its themes while challenging traditional notions of storytelling and theatrical representation.