THEA 142: Development of Dramatic Art I

A discussion of the origins and transformations of primarily Western theatre from its origins to the late 18th century, through texts, artists, and theorists.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Hamlet v. Everyman

The plays have one theme in common they both deal with death. But Everyman never really contends whether or not he should commit suicide would it be better than the life he is living. Everyman doesn't wonder why he should stay alive, rather he is wondering why he has to die. Both of the main characters die, but there ways of getting there are different. Everyman is followed around by different virtues until when he reaches his grave at which time a majority of them leave. Hamlet is killed in a plot by a ursurper to the throne who wants him out of the way so that he can rule. Everyman is a story about the different virtues of mankind and how your good deeds will help you in the afterlife. Hamlet is showing moral corruption in a royal family. Which play is more fun to read and most likely watch(I haven't seen everyman on stage or in a movie) Hamlet. Because the world around us is so messed up that this seems pretty everday, and you know shakespeare wrote it...which doesn't hurt seeing as though he created half the english language.

3 Comments:

At 5:17 PM, Blogger Paul said...

I think the obvious things to talk about are the differences of Everyman and Hamlet. Perhaps one could gain a better perspective and apprectiation of theatre if similarities are found between the plays. There might be more in common than you think.

 
At 2:07 PM, Blogger Layne said...

I agree with you that Everyman and Hamlet are different in many ways and I think you give some nice examples. I wonder how you think these differences affect the plays. Also, I think it is interesting how you find that Hamlet is "everyday" due to how complex the plot is. I suppose this can compare to the complicated world in which we live.

 
At 2:08 PM, Blogger Layne said...

I agree with you that Everyman and Hamlet are different in many ways and I think you give some nice examples. I wonder how you think these differences affect the plays. Also, I think it is interesting how you find that Hamlet is "everyday" due to how complex the plot is. I suppose this can compare to the complicated world in which we live.

 

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