'Gorboduc' is a
Aa tragic play
Ba comic novel
Ca travelogue
Dan old English satire on religious English
Answer:
A. a tragic play
Read Explanation:
- Gorboduc, also known as Ferrex and Porrex, is widely recognized as the first English tragedy written in blank verse.
- It was first performed in 1561 before Queen Elizabeth I at the Inner Temple, London.
- The play was written by Sir Thomas Norton and Thomas Sackville, with Sackville contributing the first two acts and Norton the last three.
- Historical Context: The play draws inspiration from ancient British legends, particularly the story of Gorboduc, a mythical king who divides his kingdom between his two sons, Ferrex and Porrex.
- Plot Summary: The narrative focuses on the ensuing civil war and bloodshed that follows the division of the kingdom, highlighting the dire consequences of ambition, greed, and poor leadership.
- Significance in English Literature:
- It marked a significant departure from medieval morality plays and paved the way for the development of Renaissance tragedy.
- The use of blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) in 'Gorboduc' was groundbreaking and became a hallmark of subsequent Elizabethan and Jacobean drama, notably in the works of Shakespeare.
- Its structure, with a chorus and a five-act division, influenced later dramatic conventions.
- Themes Explored: The play delves into themes of political succession, the perils of tyranny, the breakdown of family bonds, and the destructive nature of revenge.
- Influence on Later Playwrights: While not as artistically refined as later tragedies, 'Gorboduc' served as a crucial precursor and influenced playwrights like Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare in their exploration of similar tragic themes and dramatic forms.
- Competitive Exam Relevance: Questions often focus on its status as the 'first English tragedy', its authors, the year of its performance, its use of blank verse, and its thematic content.