Characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd

Characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd Listed below are some characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd. Not all plays will include all these elements. You should determine the extent to which a playwright uses each of these techniques and decide how it relates to the appearance/reality theme which is common is Absurdist plays. • • • • • • • • • •

Investigation of the relativity of truth Futility Humanity’s vain struggle against fate Inadequacy of communication Use of small talk and understatement Non-sequiturs Instability of characters/ lack of definite characterization Lack of definite plot structure World bent on destruction The absurdity of attempting to control one’s fate

Characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd Listed below are some characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd. Not all plays will include all these elements. You should determine the extent to which a playwright uses each of these techniques and decide how it relates to the appearance/reality theme which is common is Absurdist plays. • • • • • • • • • •

Investigation of the relativity of truth Futility Humanity’s vain struggle against fate Inadequacy of communication Use of small talk and understatement Non-sequiturs Instability of characters/ lack of definite characterization Lack of definite plot structure World bent on destruction The absurdity of attempting to control one’s fate