Question 1

Explain the fundamental characteristics of comedy and farce.

Accepted Answer

Comedy and farce are both forms of comedic entertainment, but they have distinct fundamental characteristics.

Comedy is a genre of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain the audience through humorous situations, characters, and dialogue. It often involves lighthearted and playful themes, and its primary goal is to make people laugh. Comedy can range from subtle and witty humor to slapstick and physical comedy, and it often includes elements of satire and parody. The humor in comedy is usually based on everyday situations and human behavior, and it often provides social commentary or insight into the human condition.

Farce, on the other hand, is a specific subgenre of comedy that is characterized by exaggerated and absurd situations, fast-paced action, and physical humor. Farce often involves mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and chaotic situations that escalate to ridiculous extremes. It relies heavily on exaggerated characters and over-the-top performances to create humor, and it often includes elements of slapstick, wordplay, and absurdity. Farce is known for its high-energy and frenetic pacing, and it often pushes the boundaries of believability to create comedic effect.

In summary, the fundamental characteristics of comedy include humor, wit, and social commentary, while farce is characterized by exaggerated situations, physical humor, and absurdity. Both forms of entertainment aim to make audiences laugh, but they achieve this through different comedic approaches.

Question 2

Which of the following terms describes the part of a play's structure in which the playwright resolves the issues of the play?

Accepted Answer

The denouement is the final part of a play's structure in which the playwright resolves the issues of the play. It often involves tying up loose ends and providing closure for the characters and audience.

Question 3

What is the most popular dramatic form of the 20^th century?

Accepted Answer

Melodrama was the most popular dramatic form of the 19th century, characterized by exaggerated characters, sensational plots, and emotional appeals to the audience.

Question 4

Explain the genres of tragedy, comedy, and melodrama, including similarities and differences.

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

In his Poetics, Aristotle described in great detail the characteristics of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Aristotle described the characteristics of tragedy in his Poetics, analyzing its elements such as plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle.

Question 6

Compare and contrast two or more types of theatres.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Identify and explain the structural elements of a play.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

What are the elements of the plot?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Which of the following terms describes the part of a play's structure in which the playwright twists the events of the plot and the subplots?

Accepted Answer

The complication is the part of a play's structure where the playwright introduces a twist or turning point in the plot or subplots, leading to increased tension and conflict. The denouement is the resolution or conclusion of the play, the crisis is the climax of the play, and the exposition is the beginning of the play where the characters, setting, and initial conflict are introduced.

Question 10

Explain what the lighting designer does and why his or her work is ephemeral.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

Which of the following is a theatre form in which the audience totally surrounds the playing area?

Accepted Answer

Arena form is also known as theatre in the round. The playing area is in the center and the audience is seated all around it, creating a 360-degree view.

Question 12

Which of the following terms describes the part of a play's structure in which the playwright gives the audience background information?

Accepted Answer

Exposition is the part of a play's structure in which the playwright gives the audience background information.

Question 13

The central personage of a play is called the _____.

Accepted Answer

The protagonist is the main character or central personage of a play who drives the action forward and typically undergoes a significant change or transformation throughout the course of the play.

Question 14

The word theatre comes from the word _____, which means "a place for seeing."

Accepted Answer

The word theatre derives from the Greek word "theatron", which means "a place for seeing".

Question 15

Which of the following is a theatre form in which the audience views the action through a frame?

Accepted Answer

Proscenium form is a theatre form in which the audience views the action through a frame, which is the proscenium arch. The stage is enclosed and typically has a backstage area where actors can enter and exit. This form is commonly seen in traditional theatre spaces and is sometimes referred to as "picture frame" theatre. Arena form is a theatre form where the audience is seated on all four sides of the stage, thrust form is a theatre form where the stage protrudes into or out of the audience space, and open form is a theatre form where there is no defined or enclosed stage area and the action takes place among the audience members.

Question 16

Explain the purposes of scenic, lighting, or costume design and how they work.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

In theatre, types of plays such as tragedies and comedies are called which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Tragedies and comedies are both considered genres in theatre, along with other types of plays such as dramas, musicals, and farces. Conventions refer to the established techniques and devices used within a particular genre or style of theatre, and dynamics refer to the way in which the elements of a play interact and create meaning.

Question 18

What is the term for a play structured in such a way that it rises to a peak and falls to a conclusion?

Accepted Answer

The term for a play structured in such a way that it rises to a peak and falls to a conclusion is "pyramidal." This refers to the shape of the plot, where the action builds up to a single high point, or climax, before winding down to a resolution.

Question 19

Which of the following terms is applicable to a situation such as a peasant jumping to the upper class?

Accepted Answer

Reversal refers to a complete change or reversal of a situation, such as a peasant moving up to the upper class. Thematic reorder refers to a change in the thematic or subject matter of a situation, and crisis refers to a critical or unstable situation. None of these terms fully capture the situation of a peasant moving up to the upper class, making B the best choice.

Question 20

In this type of play, the plot usually unfolds as a series of trials instigated by a villain that the hero must overcome.

Accepted Answer

This type of play is commonly referred to as a melodrama, which typically features a clear hero and villain and places emphasis on exaggerated emotions and plot twists. The plot often unfolds through a series of challenges or trials instigated by the villain, which the hero must ultimately overcome.

Quiz 7: Theatre