Impressionism: mixing subjectivity with objectivity.
How can we recognize impressionism in a play?
The atmosphere is more important than the subject, the story. Theme and action are secondary to the general atmosphere. The writer shows more effort to show that there is the atmosphere of happiness and cheerfulness, then to show what is happening. There is no action. For the writer, to show the atmosphere is more important than to give a story. For the writer, the atmosphere is more important than the story.
In impressionistic plays, the connection between the scenes is weak. We believe that there are improper incidents or events. We do not believe that actions lead to the next action.
In the play- Lady Windermere's Fan– there are improper action- behavior of that time- the money Windermere paid for Mrs. Erlynne. These arrangements are not very much logical. We simply believe it because the dramatists say this.
The subject matter is ordinary. People are doing nothing. They are just talking. There is ambiguity around characters. She is a mysterious mother. Her behaviour is not explained logically.
The play does not end in a didactic lesson.
What are the characteristics of a modern play that are found in Lady Windermere's Fan?
what are the characteristics of a well-made play that are found in Lady Windermere's Fan?
- Symbolist drama
- impressionistic
- modern play
- well-made play