From Morn to Midnight

Definition

From Morn to Midnight is a play by German playwright Georg Kaiser, created in 1912, that is often cited as a significant early example of expressionism in theatre. The play depicts a single day in the life of a bank clerk who, disillusioned with the monotony of his existence, embarks on a journey that leads him through various encounters with society and ultimately to existential despair. This work captures the essence of expressionism by emphasizing emotional experience over traditional narrative structure, reflecting the inner turmoil and alienation felt by individuals in an increasingly industrialized world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The play is structured around the protagonist's journey through various social environments, highlighting themes of alienation and existential crisis.
2. The use of stark lighting and minimalistic sets in productions of 'From Morn to Midnight' enhances the emotional intensity and reflects the expressionist aesthetic.
3. Kaiser's work represents a departure from realism, instead favoring a style that emphasizes subjective experience and emotional truth.
4. The title itself suggests a cycle of life and the passage of time, symbolizing both daily routines and existential questioning.
5. The character's interactions serve as a critique of societal norms and values during the early 20th century, showcasing the struggles of individuals within an oppressive capitalist system.

Review Questions

• How does 'From Morn to Midnight' exemplify the key characteristics of expressionism in theatre?
  • 'From Morn to Midnight' exemplifies expressionism through its focus on emotional experiences rather than a linear narrative. The protagonist's journey reflects inner turmoil, highlighting feelings of alienation from society. The use of unconventional staging, stark lighting, and exaggerated performances further reinforces this emotional intensity, making it a hallmark of expressionist theatre.
• In what ways does the character's journey in 'From Morn to Midnight' reflect the broader themes of alienation and existential crisis prevalent in early 20th-century expressionist works?
  • The character's journey in 'From Morn to Midnight' is marked by increasing disillusionment with societal norms and structures. As he interacts with different social classes and environments, his sense of alienation deepens, ultimately leading to an existential crisis. This mirrors the experiences of many individuals during the early 20th century who felt disconnected amid rapid industrialization and modernization.
• Critically analyze how 'From Morn to Midnight' serves as both a product and a critique of its time, particularly regarding societal values and individual identity.
  • 'From Morn to Midnight' serves as both a product and critique of its time by encapsulating the struggle between individual identity and societal expectations. Through the protagonist’s disillusionment with his mundane life, Kaiser critiques capitalist values that prioritize profit over human experience. The play's expressionist elements emphasize emotional authenticity over conformity, challenging audiences to reflect on their own alienation and identity within an industrialized society.

Related terms

Expressionism: A modernist movement that originated in the early 20th century, focusing on representing emotional experiences rather than physical reality, often using exaggerated forms and distorted perspectives.

Alienation: A key theme in expressionist works, referring to the feeling of estrangement or disconnection individuals experience in modern society.

Symbolism: An artistic movement that preceded expressionism, using symbolic images and indirect suggestion to express mystical ideas, emotions, and states of mind.