MELODRMA COMPREHENSION!

1.In which century did melodrama develop? Melodrama developed in 19th century in France

2. Why is it called ‘melodrama’?
The plays were always accompanied by music – hence its name “melo” – melody or music – to heighten the emotional impact on the audience or to signal a particular response.

3. Why was melodrama so popular?
They used spectacular settings, music, exaggerated acting and encouraged audience interaction to promote its popularity.

4. List the three (3) segments of a standard melodrama plot. What action does each segment involve? the 3 segments are
- Provocation: the initial cause for setting action into motion – jealousy or greed forces an evil character to plan an offence.
- Pangs: the consequential sufferings of the good and innocent characters who are caught up in the evil plot.
- Penalty: in a last minute twist of fate, the wicked character has their plans foiled and receives a punishment for his/her evil actions.

5. What are some conflicting themes a melodrama would usually explore?

Melodrama’s used spectacular settings, stage effects (such as earthquakes, volcanos or fires), elaborate costumes and music to increase their impact and appeal. The plays were always accompanied by music – hence its name “melo” – melody or music – to heighten the emotional impact on the audience or to signal a particular response.

6. Are the characters in melodrama life-like or stereotyped?
Melodrama characters were not meant to be particularly life-like, rather they were meant to have identifiable types of personalities.

7. List three (3) stock characters and describe each of their personal qualities.- A hero. Handsome, strong, brave, honest and reliable. Status: Middle class or higher.
- A heroine. Beautiful, courageous, innocent and vulnerable. Status: Middle class or higher.
- A villain. Cunning, without morals, dishonest, cruel and evil. Status: Middle class or higher.

8. What is the difference between the faithful servant and a maid servant? the faithful servant does the dirty work and the maid servant is lively

9. What is an ‘aside’?- Asides: an aside is where any character speaks directly to the audience to reveal a thought or plan that is kept secret from the rest of the other characters. The actor’s delivery of the aside should instil a feeling of secrecy and draw the audiences focus away from the other action and onto their ‘secret’.