Give me an essay direction for the following paragraph
As a result of the Germans' adoration for Englishman such as Shakespeare, the Storm and Stress, also known as the "Sturm und Drang" movement, emerged. During the late 1700's, dramatists not only rebelled against the ideals of neo- classism, but also started to question the ethicality of conventional/bourgeois tragedy and nostalgic comedy. Similar to Shakespeare, dramatic rules were not followed, violence occurred on stage, and genres were mixed. Furthermore, they made use of the episodic structure, and the style and subject matter of these plays were rather progressive, which led to only a few plays being staged. Even though very few Storm and Stress plays were performed, the movement was still the precursor of the Romantic period that took place during the 19th century (Wilson & Goldfarb, 2004:321). In Faust we see that violence occurs on stage when Faust murders Gretchen's' brother, Valentine, while these two are fighting. We also recognize that Faust has an episodic structure, as each scene presents its own independent story and has a climax. In Faust, the neoclassical ideal that characters have to act their age is broken, as some of the characters act like children during the course of the play, rather than what age they actually are. In Faust they break away from the realistic by incorporating mystical or supernatural figures, such as the devil. We also see that another neoclassical rule, the rule of unity of place, was broken in Faust, as the play takes place in many different locations.
Essay direction: The Influence of the Sturm und Drang Movement on German Drama: A Comparison of Faust and Shakespearean Plays
The paragraph provided highlights the emergence of the Sturm und Drang movement in Germany during the late 1700s and its impact on German drama. The movement, influenced by the adoration for English playwrights like Shakespeare, rebelled against neo-classical ideals and questioned conventional tragedy and comedy. It disregarded dramatic rules, incorporated violence on stage, mixed genres, and adopted an episodic structure. Though few Sturm und Drang plays were performed, they paved the way for the Romantic period in the 19th century. This essay will explore the influences of the Sturm und Drang movement on German drama by comparing Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust with Shakespearean plays. Specifically, it will analyze the incorporation of violence and episodic structure, the departure from neoclassical character expectations, and the inclusion of mystical or supernatural elements. Additionally, it will examine how Faust breaks the neoclassical rule of unity of place, taking place in various locations. Ultimately, this essay aims to illustrate the impact of the Sturm und Drang movement on German drama through a comparative analysis of Faust and Shakespearean plays.
The essay direction for the paragraph could focus on analyzing the key elements and characteristics of the Storm and Stress movement and its influence on German drama, using the example of Faust as a case study.
1. Introduction:
Introduce the topic by briefly explaining the Germans' fascination with English literature, particularly Shakespeare, and how this led to the emergence of the Storm and Stress movement. Mention the rebellion against neo-classicism and the questioning of traditional theatrical conventions.
2. Theatrical Revolution:
Discuss the key aspects of the Storm and Stress movement, such as the disregard for dramatic rules, the incorporation of violence on stage, and the mixing of genres. Explain how these elements challenged and deviated from traditional theater practices.
3. Progressive Style and Subject Matter:
Analyze how Storm and Stress plays, including Faust, embraced a more progressive style and subject matter. Explore how the episodic structure of Faust, with each scene presenting its own independent story and climax, reflects the movement's influence. Highlight the breaking of the neoclassical ideal of characters acting their age and the inclusion of mystical or supernatural elements.
4. Departure from Realism:
Examine how Storm and Stress plays, like Faust, broke away from realism by incorporating elements such as the devil and various locations. Discuss the importance of these departures from neoclassical rules, such as the unity of place, and how they further challenged traditional theatrical standards.
5. Influence on the Romantic Period:
Explain the significance of the Storm and Stress movement as a precursor to the Romantic period that followed in the 19th century. Discuss how the movement's emphasis on individualism, passion, and rebellion against societal norms resonated with Romantic ideals.
6. Conclusion:
Summarize the main points discussed in the essay, emphasizing the impact of the Storm and Stress movement on German drama and its significance as a catalyst for change. Highlight the lasting influence of this movement and its contributions to theater history.
Remember to support your analysis with specific examples and quotes from the paragraph to strengthen your argument.
Essay Direction: Exploring the Influence of the Sturm und Drang Movement in German Drama
Introduction:
The Sturm und Drang movement, also known as Storm and Stress, emerged as a result of the Germans' adoration for English writers like Shakespeare. This movement, which took place in the late 1700s, witnessed a rebellion against the established ideals of neo-classism and raised questions about the ethicality of conventional tragedy and comedy. In this essay, we will explore the key characteristics of the Sturm und Drang movement and its influence on German drama, particularly in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's play Faust.
Body Paragraphs:
1. Departure from Neo-classical Ideals:
Discuss how the Sturm und Drang movement rebelled against the literary conventions of neo-classism. Dramatists questioned the ethicality of traditional tragedy and nostalgic comedy and challenged the strict adherence to dramatic rules.
- Provide examples of how the movement deviated from the traditional dramatic structure and incorporated violence on stage.
- Explain the mixing of genres and the influence of Shakespeare in this aspect.
2. Episodic Structure and Progressive Style:
Discuss the episodic structure of the Sturm und Drang plays, where each scene presents its own independent story and climax. Explore how this structure differed from the traditional linear plot development.
- Analyze how this structure allowed for more freedom of expression and experimentation in storytelling.
- Provide examples of progressive subject matter tackled in Sturm und Drang plays that led to only a few being staged.
3. Influence on Faust:
Analyze Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's play Faust and its connection to the Sturm und Drang movement.
- Discuss instances of violence on stage in Faust, such as Faust's murder of Gretchen's brother, Valentine, during their fight.
- Examine how the episodic structure is reflected in Faust and how each scene contributes to the overall narrative.
- Explore the departure from the neoclassical ideal of characters acting their age, pointing out instances where characters behave like children rather than conforming to their respective ages.
- Analyze the incorporation of mystical and supernatural figures in Faust, breaking away from realism.
4. Breaking Traditional Dramatic Rules:
Discuss how the Sturm und Drang movement broke away from the traditional rules of theater, such as the unity of place.
- Identify examples in Faust where the rule of unity of place is broken, as the play takes place in various locations.
- Analyze the significance of this departure from tradition and how it contributes to the overall themes and narrative of the play.
Conclusion:
Summarize the key points discussed in the essay, emphasizing the influence of the Sturm und Drang movement on German drama and its significance as a precursor to the Romantic period. Highlight the lasting impact of the movement on playwrights and the broader cultural landscape.