Late 19th century

Definition

The late 19th century refers to the period from the 1870s to the turn of the 20th century, marked by significant cultural, social, and political changes in Europe and America. This era saw the rise of modernist thought, influenced by industrialization, urbanization, and shifts in societal norms, which shaped the development of new theatrical forms and styles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The late 19th century was characterized by a shift towards realism and naturalism in theatre, emphasizing authentic characters and situations.
2. Playwrights like August Strindberg and Anton Chekhov introduced complex characters and psychological depth, reflecting the era's focus on individual experience.
3. This period also saw the rise of new theatre venues, including the independent theatre movement, which sought to produce innovative works outside traditional commercial theatres.
4. Women began to take on more significant roles in theatre during this time, both as playwrights and performers, challenging societal norms.
5. The late 19th century laid the groundwork for modernist movements in theatre, influencing later developments such as expressionism and absurdism in the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of naturalism during the late 19th century influence theatrical representation?
  • Naturalism transformed theatrical representation by emphasizing a more realistic portrayal of life. Playwrights sought to depict everyday struggles and social issues with authenticity, reflecting how environment and heredity impact human behavior. This shift encouraged audiences to engage with serious themes and complex characters, moving away from melodramatic traditions.
• In what ways did the independent theatre movement reflect the cultural changes of the late 19th century?
  • The independent theatre movement showcased cultural changes by providing a platform for innovative works that broke away from traditional commercial constraints. These theatres allowed for more experimental performances that highlighted new writing styles and themes relevant to contemporary society. This reflects a broader desire for artistic freedom and exploration during an era marked by rapid social transformation.
• Critically analyze how the late 19th century set the stage for modernist movements in theatre and their impact on subsequent dramatic literature.
  • The late 19th century served as a crucial transitional period that set the stage for modernist movements by challenging existing theatrical norms through realism and naturalism. This era's emphasis on psychological depth and social issues laid a foundation for future explorations of absurdity and existentialism in drama. As playwrights like Strindberg and Chekhov explored individual experiences, they influenced later artists to push boundaries further, leading to transformative shifts in dramatic literature throughout the 20th century.

Related terms

Naturalism: A theatrical movement that emerged in the late 19th century focusing on a realistic portrayal of life, often highlighting the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.

Symbolism: A reaction against realism, this movement emphasized emotion and abstract ideas through symbolic imagery and language in art and literature, including theatre.

Realism: A movement that aimed to represent everyday life and social issues on stage, departing from romanticism and melodrama prevalent before the late 19th century.