The Theory of the Theatre, and Other Principles of Dramatic Criticism

Name: The Theory of the Theatre, and Other Principles of Dramatic Criticism
Author: Clayton Meeker Hamilton

By Clayton Meeker Hamilton

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About This Book

A concise theoretical treatise that defines a play as a story devised for staged presentation and examines how the dramatist must combine literary, pictorial, musical, and performative arts. It analyzes audience psychology and stagecraft, the actor-dramatist relationship, conventions and economy of attention, and principles of emphasis, rhythm, and continuity. It surveys types of drama, including social and supernatural forms, defends popular modes such as melodrama, and considers emerging forms like the moving-picture play and the one-act. Finally, it addresses the critic's function, plausibility, themes, imagination, and the intention of permanence in dramatic creation.

About the Author

Clayton Meeker Hamilton

Clayton Meeker Hamilton was an American author and critic known for his contributions to the fields of fiction and drama. His notable works include "A Manual of the Art of Fiction," which serves as a guide for aspiring writers, and "The Theory of the Theatre, and Other Principles of Dramatic Criticism," where he explores the foundations of dramatic art. Hamilton's writings reflect a deep understanding of narrative techniques and theatrical principles, making him a significant figure in early 20th-century literary criticism. His insights continue to influence writers and scholars interested in the craft of storytelling.