Problem Play

 Problem Play

Introduction

A problem play is a special kind of drama. It became popular in the nineteenth century, especially through the works of Henrik Ibsen, the great Norwegian playwright. A problem play deals with social issues of its own time. The story is not only about individual characters but also about the larger problems faced by society. It reflects real struggles and offers new ways of thinking, often against traditional beliefs.

Features of a Problem Play

The main feature of a problem play is that it presents a serious social issue. The protagonist faces difficulties that represent the struggles of ordinary people. The dramatist uses characters, dialogue, and plot to highlight the problem. Sometimes one character speaks for the author’s views, suggesting a solution that may challenge common opinion. The tone of such plays is often realistic and thought-provoking rather than purely entertaining.

Examples in Modern Drama

Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House (1879) is the best-known example. It shows the limited role of women in middle-class nineteenth-century families. Nora, the heroine, decides to leave her husband and children to seek independence, which shocked audiences at that time. Another famous example is George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession (1898). It discusses the issue of prostitution and connects it with the economic system of capitalist society.

In the twentieth century, many playwrights continued the tradition. Some focused on racial and ethnic conflicts, while others explored gender inequality, poverty, or corruption. These plays encouraged audiences to think about reforms and to question old customs and moral standards.

The Discussion Play

A subtype of the problem play is the discussion play. In this form, the focus is less on action and more on debate. The characters spend time discussing the social issue in detail, presenting different sides of the argument. George Bernard Shaw’s Getting Married and parts of Man and Superman are good examples. Shaw also wrote The Quintessence of Ibsenism (1891), where he explained how Ibsen’s plays influenced modern drama by turning theatre into a stage for social discussion.

Shakespeare and the Problem Plays

The term “problem play” is also used in a different sense for some plays by William Shakespeare. These plays are sometimes called “bitter comedies.” They include Troilus and Cressida, Measure for Measure, and All’s Well That Ends Well. In these plays, the darker side of human nature is explored. The endings do not provide clear or happy solutions, leaving many issues unresolved. The problems raised are not neatly answered, and the audience is left to reflect on them. Some critics extend this label to other Shakespearean plays that show moral confusion or unresolved tensions.

Conclusion

The problem play is an important form of drama that links literature with real life. It uses characters and stories to present social issues like women’s rights, morality, and social justice. Sometimes it offers bold solutions that challenge accepted beliefs. From Ibsen and Shaw to Shakespeare and modern playwrights, problem plays have helped audiences face uncomfortable truths. They remind us that drama is not only for entertainment but also a mirror of society and a tool for change.

REFERENCE: 

Abrams, M. H., and Geoffrey Galt Harpham. A Glossary of Literary Terms. 11th ed., Cengage Learning, 2015.

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