Decorum

Definition

Decorum refers to the appropriate behavior, speech, and dress expected in a particular situation, especially in the context of art and literature. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of propriety and adherence to societal norms, ensuring that characters and their actions align with their status, setting, and genre. This concept became significant during the Renaissance as artists and playwrights revived classical ideals, striving for a balance between realism and artistic expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Decorum plays a crucial role in shaping the actions and language of characters in classical and Renaissance theatre, dictating that they must act according to their social class.
2. In the context of tragedy, decorum requires nobility to speak in elevated language while commoners use more colloquial speech, highlighting their differences.
3. Renaissance playwrights like Shakespeare often employed decorum to enhance character development and ensure the audience could relate to the unfolding drama.
4. The concept of decorum also influenced staging decisions, as the visual presentation of characters needed to align with their implied social status.
5. Critics during the Renaissance used decorum as a standard for assessing artistic works, arguing that failure to adhere to its principles could detract from the overall impact of a performance.

Review Questions

• How does decorum influence character behavior in Renaissance drama?
  • Decorum significantly influences character behavior by dictating that actions, language, and dress must align with a character's social status. For example, nobles are expected to speak in elevated language and exhibit dignified behavior, while commoners use simpler expressions. This adherence to decorum helps maintain realism within the narrative and allows audiences to understand and appreciate the social hierarchy being depicted.
• Analyze how the concept of decorum differs between tragedy and comedy in Renaissance theatre.
  • In Renaissance theatre, decorum manifests differently in tragedy compared to comedy. In tragedy, characters of high status are expected to express themselves through lofty language and noble actions that reflect their elevated position. Conversely, in comedy, characters may break decorum by behaving in exaggerated or ridiculous ways that entertain while still adhering to a form of societal norms appropriate for their status. This contrast highlights how decorum can be manipulated for dramatic effect across genres.
• Evaluate the importance of decorum as a critical standard during the Renaissance for assessing theatrical works.
  • During the Renaissance, decorum became an essential criterion for evaluating theatrical works because it encapsulated broader cultural values regarding propriety and representation. Critics argued that failure to maintain decorum undermined the authenticity and emotional impact of a performance. By establishing expectations for character behavior aligned with societal norms, audiences were better able to connect with the themes presented. Thus, decorum not only shaped artistic choices but also served as a lens through which critics judged the merit of plays in relation to their cultural context.

Related terms

Verisimilitude: Verisimilitude is the quality of appearing true or real in a work of art or literature, which often ties into the concept of decorum by ensuring that characters act in a believable manner.

Mimesis: Mimesis is the imitation of life in art and literature, suggesting that decorum must reflect reality while adhering to societal expectations.

Aristotelian Poetics: Aristotelian Poetics outlines key principles for drama and poetry, including decorum, emphasizing that characters should behave according to their social roles and situations.