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Study SOURCE A below and answer the question that follows - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 1
Study SOURCE A below and answer the question that follows. SOURCE A 1. MAN IS NOTHING ELSE BUT WHAT HE MAKES OF HIMSELF. SUCH IS THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF EXISTENTIAL... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study SOURCE A below and answer the question that follows - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
The 20th Century Theatre Movement you studied:
Answer
In this essay, I will discuss the Theatre of the Absurd, which emerged in the mid-20th century and is characterized by a focus on existential themes, illogical situations, and the disintegration of communication. This movement often reflects the struggles of humanity to find meaning in a chaotic world, resonating with Nietzsche's notion that 'people don't want to hear the truth' as the absurdity of life is laid bare.
Step 2
The quotation(s) you selected from SOURCE A:
Answer
I have selected the following quotes from Source A:
- 'MAN IS NOTHING ELSE BUT WHAT HE MAKES OF HIMSELF.' — Jean Paul Sartre
- 'PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO HEAR THE TRUTH BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT THEIR ILLUSIONS DESTROYED.' — Frederick Nietzsche These quotes emphasize themes of self-creation and the discomfort that comes with confronting harsh truths.
Step 3
Specific examples from the play text you studied which support your answer:
Answer
In the play "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett, the characters Estragon and Vladimir epitomize the essence of the Theatre of the Absurd. Their endless wait for someone named Godot is a powerful metaphor for the human condition, reflecting the struggle to find meaning in an indifferent universe. Additionally, their dialogue often veers into nonsensical territory, showcasing the breakdown of communication and the refusal to confront the truth, aligning directly with Nietzsche's assertion about the destruction of illusions.
Moreover, in Martin Esslin's analysis of Absurd Theatre, he indicates that these works often strip away the layers of societal norms, forcing audiences to confront the reality of existence. This mirrors Sartre's existentialism, where individuals are responsible for creating their own essence amidst a world devoid of inherent meaning.