Moral Criticism
Analyze this play in terms of moral criticism and dramatic construction. Plato believed that the arts should serve one purpose: to “teach piety and virtue,” otherwise all the artists (playwrights, in this case) are doing is creating “a mediocre reproduction of nature” that ends up eroding the culture. In the case of Dunbar-Nelson’s play, what would Plato think? Is she teaching morality and ethics? Or is she depicting the “appearance of men” that is corrupting to the audience? Then, in looking at Aristotle’s theories, consider whether this play is effective or ineffective in arousing an emotional response in the audience. Note whether or not there is a cathartic aspect to that emotional response. What are the elements of drama that contribute to, or detract from, its effectiveness?
