Defining Dramatic Genres: Tragedy, Comedy, and Spanish Theater Forms

T.9: Understanding Major Dramatic Genres

This classification outlines the characteristics and origins of key theatrical forms, from classical Greek drama to specific Spanish genres.

Tragedy

Originating from the cult of Dionysus in Greece, tragedy typically adheres to the Aristotelian unities (action, time, and place).

• Characters: Typically of higher social status, expressing themselves in elevated language.
• Conflict: Features intractable conflicts where the hero confronts unseen forces (gods, fate, social morals, etc.).
• Dilemma: Sometimes the hero commits a crime unknowingly, living the dilemma of not being able to achieve good without doing evil, which triggers a tragic end.
• Effect: It moves the audience through the protagonist's suffering and the chorus's intervention, leading to catharsis (the relief of public passions).

Comedy

Sharing the same origin as tragedy, comedy presents the conflicts of everyday life, featuring ordinary or common people.

• Structure: The action does not always adhere strictly to the Aristotelian unities, allowing it to adopt a variety of forms and themes (e.g., comedy of manners, sentimental comedy).
• Resolution: The conflict is resolved with a happy ending, where the audience finds amusement in the characters' imperfections.

Tragicomedy

The author creates dramatic tension by featuring characters from different social classes in both joyful and painful situations. It attempts to mix profound and trivial issues, often presenting a single issue through multiple, differing views.

Drama

An intermediate genre positioned between tragedy and comedy. Characters evoke neither extreme pity nor laughter. It was predominant during the Romantic period, where the distinction between contemporary theater, drama, and tragicomedy was often blurred.

Auto Sacramental

A genre with theological content, specifically related to the Catholic dogma of the Eucharist.

• Structure: It features a variable plot and takes place in a single act.
• Characters: Utilizes characters with an allegorical function.
• History: 17th-century dramatists cultivated this genre. Calderón de la Barca gave it its final form, often represented on autos (moving scenery or floats).

Entremés

A short piece, typically performed between two acts of a longer, extensive work. It gained popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries.

• Characters: Its characters are stereotypes.
• Language: The language is rich in slang and wordplay.
• Plot: Focuses on a comical plot based on simple mockery.

Sainete

Emerged in the 18th century, evolving from the Entremés. It is a short work, often lacking complex dramatic action.

• Purpose: It features several scenes with stereotypical characters, juxtaposed to criticize vices, circumstances, or social mores.
• Features: They usually include music and dancing.
• Authors: Notable authors include Ramón de la Cruz (18th century) and Arniches (20th century).

Farce

A short representation, often derived from grand comedy. It includes pantomime, verbal humor, slapstick, and music, all based on a comic anecdote.

Authors like Valle-Inclán (e.g., Farce and Queen Castiza license) and Lorca (e.g., The Shoemaker's Prodigious Wife) used the term for works depicting a grotesque reality.