THE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE REAL AND THE IDEAL: A STUDY OF THE ELEMENTS OF NATURALISM AND MELODRAMA IN THE DRAMATIC WORKS OF NELSON RODRIGUES (BRAZIL).
Item
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Title
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THE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE REAL AND THE IDEAL: A STUDY OF THE ELEMENTS OF NATURALISM AND MELODRAMA IN THE DRAMATIC WORKS OF NELSON RODRIGUES (BRAZIL).
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Identifier
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AAI8708309
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identifier
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8708309
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Creator
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NUNES, LUIZ ARTHUR.
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Contributor
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Daniel Gerould
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Date
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1986
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Theater
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Abstract
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This thesis is a study of the dramatic works of the Brazilian playwright, Nelson Rodrigues (1912-1980). The description of the author's manipulation of the dramatic techniques derived from the traditions of naturalism and melodrama functions as the methodological approach, leading, eventually, to an analytical interpretation of the fundamental aspects of his dramatic universe.;After a brief history of Brazilian theatre, meant to define the cultural context in which Rodrigues's drama originated, the thesis starts with an analysis of his first two plays: The Woman Without Sin and Wedding Gown, which contain, in embryo, all the basic elements of his subsequent work, such as scenic projection of inner life, use of colloquial language, melodramatic effects, naturalistic observation of Brazilian urban society, anti-illusionistic theatrical procedures and non-linear plot development.;Chapter 3 examines the cycle of mythic plays, in which the playwright deals with themes related to the collective unconscious. The stylistic treatment of the cycle departs largely from conventional realism and introduces elements of poetry, fantasy, the grotesque and the absurd.;The thesis proceeds with the study of the plays of the realistic cycle. Here the mythopoeic imagery can still be found. Yet, it is contained now within the framework of a dramatic composition based on accurate naturalistic observation. Here Rodrigues's harsh criticism of Brazilian society is strongly asserted. The last two chapters present the final conclusions drawn from the previous analysis. From behind the technical apparatus of melodrama and naturalism there emerges the author's personal vision of human existence, his world-view based upon the idea that human nature is split between an aspiration towards transcendental values (the idealized realm of melodrama) and a morbid attraction to the degradation of the flesh and matter (the debased world of naturalism).;The issue of "realism" in Nelson Rodrigues's theatre is thus a central problem. The final statement of the thesis is that Rodrigues has created a very peculiar and unconventional form of realism, which avoids a superficial reproduction of reality and seeks, instead, an unveiling of the deepest layers of human experience. In a paradoxical way, in order to get at the core of reality, Nelson Rodrigues undermines, distorts and deconstructs the outer appearances of life.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Theatre
