Non-Melodramatic Tropes In Theatre

Another aspect of theater that has survive the struggled of time is the use of melodramatic tropes. Originating in 1766 and gaining popularity throughout the 19th century, melodrama is known for its heighten emotions, easily determine protagonist and antagonist, and having music controlling how the audience feels. But melodrama is not just reserved for soap operas and drama queens; in fact, elements of it can be used in otherwise non-melodramatic plays. For example, in Ibsen’s A Doll House when Torvald learns of Nora’s debt to Krogstad he completely freaks out saying things like she can never be allowed to watch over the children and that their marriage is over but she must still live in the house so people do not judge him. This act of turning a

Finally, in The 39 Steps music was often used to help control the emotions of the audience is another melodramatic tactic. Examples of this can also be seen in Jacob Dowel’s recent production; every time Hannay would have a moment with any of the women throughout the course of the script the same song would play symbolizing the feelings between the two characters as well as causing the audience to emotionally invest themselves in their love life. Another example where music was used to control the audience’s emotions is during the first act when the clowns are seen outside Hannay’s apartment creepy music was played that warned the audience that they were bad and caused the audience to distrust them. Controlling emotions through music, heighten emotions, easily determine protagonist and antagonist are a few of the technique often associated with melodrama that are used throughout theater