A kind of tragedy or tragicomedy that came into vogue with the Restoration of the English monarchy in 1660. Influenced by French classical tragedy and its dramatic unities, it aimed at epic (thus ‘heroic’) grandeur, usually by means of bombast, exotic settings, and lavish scenery
It's distinguished by both its:
- Grandiose style: Think soaring emotions, epic battles, and noble characters facing impossible choices.
- Verse structure: Written in heroic couplets - rhymed lines of iambic pentameter, creating a sense of formality and elegance.
Here's a quick breakdown of its key features:
Subject matter:
- High stakes: Often deal with national myths, historical events, or grand conflicts, reflecting the optimism and political stability of the Restoration period.
- Noble heroes: Central characters are larger-than-life figures, embodying ideals like honor, courage, and duty, even when facing tragic consequences.
- Love and conflict: Intertwine themes of love, duty, and political intrigue, often leading to intense clashes and moral dilemmas.
Style:
- Rhetorical language: Characters express their emotions and ideas through elaborate speeches and soliloquies, emphasizing grand pronouncements and witticisms.
- Formal staging: Often employed spectacular scenery and costumes, emphasizing the play's grandeur and theatricality.
Think: Shakespeare meets political intrigue, with a dash of epic poetry.
Key Playwright:
- John Dryden: Considered the master of the genre, known for plays like "The Conquest of Granada" and "Aureng-Zebe."
Influence:
- While short-lived, heroic drama influenced later literary movements, particularly the development of tragedy and historical fiction.
In a nutshell: Heroic drama is about epic heroes facing monumental challenges, wrapped in grandiose language and verse. It's a window into the theatrical and political aspirations of Restoration England
