Problem Play in English Literature, Problem Play Definition, Features and Examples, Henrik Ibsen G. B. Shaw, John Galsworthy

  

INTRODUCTION:

Often termed as “thesis play” or “discussion play” the Problem Play is a type, form, or genre of drama that emerged during the mid-19th century and became popular during the 20^th century. It presents a serious subject matter and discusses some significant social issues of the time. Shakespeare, Ibsen, G. B. Shaw, Galsworthy and others are the major contributors in this field.

DEFINITION:

“Problem play is a drama that presents or discusses social or moral problems of the times and initiates a discussion of these issues among the audience.”

FEATURES:

1.  It emerged from the movement of Realism of the 19^th century.

2.  Realistic settings (place and time), realistic characters and real social problems give the drama a realistic touch.

3.  Major themes include - taboos like free love outside marriage, subordination of women, venereal disease (caused by sexual intercourse) and hypocritical lives of high class.

4.  The protagonist faces a contemporary social issue.

5.  A strong solution is presented at the end of the play.

6.  But the solution is mostly against the established social and moral standards of the nation.

7.  The protagonist becomes a mouthpiece of the dramatist who raises his voice against the traditional norms of the society.

8.  It is mostly a controversial play as it addresses the taboo issues and often challenges the normal standards of the society.

ORIGIN OF THE TERM ‘PROBLEM PLAY’:

In 1896, critic F. S. Boas used the term ‘Problem play’ in his book ‘Shakespeare and His Predecessor’ to define certain plays of Shakespeare – ‘Troilus and Cressida,’ ‘Measure for Measure,’ and ‘All’s Well That Ends Well.’

DEVELOPMENT OF PROBLEM PLAYS:

·      STAGE 1 (REALISM): Problem plays flourished from the movement of Realism in literature, especially with the novels of Emile Zola, Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, George Eliot, etc.

 

·      STAGE 2 (FRENCH PLAYS): The roots of the emergence of such plays can be traced back to mid-19th century French dramatists like Alexandre Dumas and Eugéne Brieux who raised controversial issues in their French plays.

 

·      STAGE 3 (HENRIK IBSEN): In English literature the Problem plays were first made popular by Henrik Ibsen who wrote ‘A Doll’s House’ in 1879. The end of this play was so scandalous and controversial that he was forced to change the end. Similarly Ibsen had to face censorship for his another play ‘Ghosts’ (1881).

 

·      STAGE 4 (G. B. SHAW): In England, George Bernard Shaw is considered an essential contributor to this genre. His major Problem plays include ‘Widower’s House’ (1892), ‘Candida’ (1895), ‘Mrs. Warren’s Profession’ (1902), ‘Major Barbara’ (1905), ‘The Doctor’s Dilemma’ (1906), ‘Man and Superman’ (1905) etc.

 

·      STAGE 5 (2OTH CENTURY): John Galsworthy wrote significant Problem plays during the 20th century. Influenced by Ibsen, Galsworthy often exposed the inequalities in British society. His major plays include ‘The Silver Box’ (1907), ‘Strife’ (1909), ‘Justice’ (1910), ‘Loyalties’ (1922), and ‘The Roof’ (1929).

Watch a video lecture on G. B. Shaw