The Playwright as Thinker
A Study of Drama in Modern Times
📘 About This Book
"A sharp witty study of the contemporary theater and its playwrights by one if its severest critics."--P. [4] of cover.
📖 Summary
Eric Bentley's influential 1946 work, The Playwright as Thinker, stands as a sharp, witty, and uncompromising study of the contemporary theater and its dramatic creators. Writing in the mid-twentieth century, Bentley positioned himself as one of the theater's severest critics, taking aim at the commercialism, complacency, and intellectual stagnation that had come to dominate modern stages. Across three hundred and sixty pages, the author constructs a passionate defense of a theater that engages the intellect, challenges the audience, and rejects mere escapism or hollow entertainment in favor of genuine artistic and philosophical inquiry. At the core of Bentley's thesis is the proposition that drama should be a vehicle for serious thought. He examines the evolution of modern drama by looking closely at the giants who shaped its trajectory, exploring how playwrights must function not merely as entertainers, but as thinkers, social critics, and artists of deep moral seriousness. The book explores the tension between commercial theater—which often caters to the lowest common denominator and reduces art to a commodity—and the avant-garde or serious theater, which strives for innovation and truth. Bentley guides the reader through a critical assessment of various playwrights, dissecting their successes and failures with a keen eye for dramatic structure, ideological depth, and cultural relevance. Throughout the text, Bentley demonstrates that theater is an essential cultural barometer. When drama loses its intellectual rigor, it reflects a society in decline or one that avoids self-examination. Conversely, when playwrights embrace their role as thinkers, the stage becomes a vital forum for debating the pressing issues of human existence, politics, morality, and psychology. The Playwright as Thinker challenges readers, theater practitioners, and students of literature to elevate their standards. It urges them to demand more from the plays they produce and consume, advocating for a dramatic art form that respects the audience's intelligence and dares to question the established order. By combining rigorous literary analysis with acerbic wit, Bentley created a foundational text of modern theater criticism that continues to provoke discussion about the purpose and potential of drama.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Offers a sharp and witty critique of modern theatrical norms
Champions intellectual rigor and depth in dramatic writing
Written by one of the era's most astute and severe theater critics
Provides a thorough examination of contemporary playwrights and their work
⚠️ Cons
May present a challenging read for those unfamiliar with classic and modern drama
Certain critical viewpoints reflect the specific mid-century theater landscape of 1946
❓ FAQ
Who wrote The Playwright as Thinker? +
The book was written by Eric Bentley and published in 1946.
What is the primary focus of the book? +
It focuses on contemporary theater, critiquing commercialism and arguing that drama should be a medium for serious thought.
How long is the book? +
The book spans 360 pages of detailed theatrical analysis and criticism.
What tone does the author use? +
Eric Bentley writes with a sharp, witty, and severe critical tone toward mainstream modern theater.
Who is the intended audience for this study? +
It is written for students of drama, theater practitioners, and anyone interested in serious dramatic literature and criticism.
