Carlo Goldoni

Definition

Carlo Goldoni was an influential Italian playwright of the 18th century, best known for reforming the traditional commedia dell'arte by introducing more structured plots and character development. His works often focused on everyday life and featured relatable characters, moving away from the improvisational nature of commedia dell'arte, while still retaining some of its elements. Goldoni's plays are significant for their balance of humor and social commentary, which helped to shape modern Italian theater.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goldoni wrote over 150 plays during his career, with notable works including 'The Servant of Two Masters' and 'The Venetian Twins'.
2. He aimed to depict the lives of common people and their struggles, which was a departure from the nobility-focused themes of earlier Italian theater.
3. Goldoni is credited with solidifying the use of Italian as the language of theater, moving away from the use of dialects and Latin prevalent at the time.
4. His reforms led to a more systematic approach to character development and plot structure, influencing playwrights beyond Italy.
5. Goldoni's legacy is celebrated in Italy and around the world, with many theaters continuing to stage his plays due to their enduring relevance and humor.

Review Questions

• How did Carlo Goldoni change the traditional format of commedia dell'arte in his plays?
  • Carlo Goldoni transformed commedia dell'arte by introducing structured plots and well-defined characters, departing from the improvisational style that characterized traditional performances. He emphasized the importance of everyday life and relatable situations in his storytelling, allowing audiences to connect with the characters on a personal level. This shift not only provided a foundation for more complex narratives but also made his plays accessible to a broader audience.
• Discuss the impact of Goldoni's focus on everyday life and common people in his works on the development of modern Italian theater.
  • Goldoni's emphasis on everyday life and relatable characters marked a significant shift in Italian theater. By focusing on common people rather than nobility, he made theater more relevant to a wider audience. This approach paved the way for future playwrights to explore social issues and realistic themes, ultimately shaping modern Italian theater into a medium for both entertainment and social commentary.
• Evaluate the significance of Goldoni's contributions to theatrical language and structure in relation to his contemporaries.
  • Carlo Goldoni's contributions were crucial in elevating theatrical language by promoting the use of standard Italian over dialects or Latin. This helped unify audiences across different regions of Italy. Additionally, his structured approach to character development and plot design set him apart from contemporaries who often relied on improvisation. This not only established a new standard for playwriting but also influenced generations of playwrights, emphasizing the importance of narrative coherence and character depth in theatrical works.

Related terms

Commedia dell'arte: A form of Italian theater characterized by improvised performances based on stock characters, scenarios, and lazzi, often performed by traveling troupes.

Improvisation: The act of creating or performing something spontaneously without a scripted plan, commonly used in traditional commedia dell'arte.

Zanni: A stock character in commedia dell'arte, typically a clever servant who often finds themselves in comedic situations, representing the lower class.