Had It Not Been for the Puritans, the Approach of the World to American Drama Would Have Been Different – Discuss
The history and evolution of American drama is deeply intertwined with the early cultural and religious values of the American colonies, especially those of the Puritans. The Puritans, who were among the earliest settlers in New England in the 17th century, came with a strict moral code and a deep suspicion of anything that could be considered entertainment or worldly pleasure. This included theatre, which they saw as morally corrupt and a waste of time. Their influence significantly shaped the direction of American drama in its early stages.
1. The Puritan Opposition to Theatre
The Puritans were deeply religious people who followed a strict interpretation of the Bible. They believed that all forms of art, especially theatre, could lead to sin and moral decay. Public performances were banned or severely discouraged in many Puritan communities. This suppression of theatre delayed the development of a native American dramatic tradition. While drama flourished in England with the works of Shakespeare and others, American theatre remained undeveloped for many decades.
2. Early American Drama and Moral Themes
Because of the Puritan influence, the few theatrical works that did emerge in the early years of American history had to adhere to moral and religious values. Many early plays were moral or didactic in nature. They were intended to teach lessons about good and evil, hard work, honesty, and piety. For example, early dramatic works were often allegorical or based on biblical themes, lacking the diversity and experimentation seen in European drama at the time.
3. Slower Growth Compared to Europe
The Puritan disdain for drama meant that the American theatre scene developed much slower than in Europe. While countries like France and England saw great playwrights and elaborate theatres in the 17th and 18th centuries, the American colonies lagged behind. Professional theatre companies were rare, and it wasn’t until the late 18th and 19th centuries that American drama began to emerge as a significant cultural force.
4. Impact on Themes and Style
Even after the initial influence of the Puritans faded, their legacy remained. American plays continued to reflect a concern with morality, work ethic, family values, and individual responsibility—core Puritan principles. This can be seen in later plays like Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, which not only dramatizes the Salem witch trials (a Puritan phenomenon) but also critiques the consequences of religious and social extremism.
5. The Shift Towards Freedom and Experimentation
In the 20th century, as American society became more diverse and secular, playwrights began to experiment with new forms and themes. However, the early absence of theatrical development due to Puritan influence meant that American drama had to “catch up” with European styles like realism, absurdism, and modernism. When it did, American drama brought unique perspectives shaped by its cultural and historical roots.
6. A Unique Voice Shaped by Restriction
Ironically, the restriction imposed by the Puritans may have led American drama to develop a unique voice. Because it had to navigate moral expectations and censorship, American drama became more subtle, symbolic, and psychological. This is evident in works by Eugene O’Neill, Tennessee Williams, and Arthur Miller, who addressed complex social and emotional issues within the bounds of American values and ethics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Puritans played a significant role in shaping the early course of American drama by suppressing it. Their strict moral code delayed the development of theatrical arts in the United States but also influenced its thematic direction. Had it not been for the Puritan legacy, American drama may have mirrored its European counterparts more closely. Instead, it evolved with a focus on moral dilemmas, individual struggles, and social criticism, giving it a distinctive identity on the world stage.