Zola, France, Realism, and Naturalism: Crash Course Theater #31

What was Victor Hugo's stance on the neoclassical rules in theater?

• He thought they should be modified slightly.

• He argued for their removal to better reflect life's complexities.

• He believed they were essential for good drama.

• He strictly adhered to them.

What was the main characteristic of Eugene Scribe's well-made play?

• It strictly followed neoclassical rules.

• It was a five-act prose drama with a series of discoveries and reversals.

• It focused on grandiose melodrama.

• It was primarily for educational purposes.

How did Alexandre Dumas Fils contribute to theatrical realism?

• By inventing new fictional stories.

• By adhering to neoclassical rules.

• By focusing on realistic social problem plays.

• By writing grandiose melodramas.

What scientific theory influenced the rise of naturalism in theater?

• Newton's laws of motion

• Einstein's theory of relativity

• Darwin's theory of evolution

• Mendel's laws of inheritance

What was Emile Zola's approach to theater in terms of naturalism?

• He believed theater should be a laboratory of human life.

• He focused on grandiose melodrama.

• He adhered strictly to neoclassical rules.

• He emphasized fictional storytelling.

What is the central theme of Zola's 'Therese Raquin'?

• A romantic comedy with a happy ending

• A melodrama with grandiose elements

• A naturalistic exploration of guilt and environment

• A historical drama set in ancient Rome

How does 'Therese Raquin' reflect Zola's naturalistic ideas?

• By adhering to the well-made play structure

• By depicting characters influenced by their environment and heredity

• By focusing on romantic incidents

• By using grandiose melodrama

What challenge does realism face in theater according to the transcript?

• It is too similar to melodrama.

• It often lacks sensational elements.

• It struggles to balance theories with audience appeal.

• It is too short to be engaging.

What was the reaction of Victor Hugo's supporters to Zola's plays?

• They supported them wholeheartedly.

• They booed them for being too radical.

• They were indifferent to them.

• They applauded them enthusiastically.

What does realism in theater promise according to the transcript?

• Art that is entirely melodramatic

• Art that looks a lot like life

• Art that is completely fictional

• Art that is purely educational