Category Archives: Drama/Theater

dunbar nelson

Drama/Theater, Dunbar-Nelson

There is a lack of morals in this play. All the characters are hurt people looking for validation from the same system that hurt them. They are worried about being “team players” when the team they are playing for will never honor them if they win. This play does not depict morals criticisms rather, it rattles the emotions of people who feel undervalued and appreciated. It will make ignore those feelings and bend to the command of the oppressor. 

“Mine eyes have seen” by Alice Dunbar Nelson shows how easily you can manipulate a person’s way of thinking. How you can convince someone that your way of seeing things is the right way. In the play Dan believes that America does not deserve his service and his brother Chris is trying to convince him that his fight is to make black people in America look good. But what does impressing people matter when you are looked as less than human? It shows how fragile the human brain is and how we can become delusional.  

Marriage Proposal

Chekhov, Drama/Theater

In the “Marriage Proposal” by Chekhov a comedic yet raveling approach is taken to display a common trope still prevalent in todays society. Marriage is a tradition as old as time that has unified nations, peoples, and families. But much like in Chekhov’s play, its also something that hasn’t really evolved as one might of thought. Marriage to many is still this grandiose event that is regarded as the hallmark in ones life. A tradition that a man and women must uphold at least once within their lives. And because of how most people only marry once, an importance on the proposal is taken. Sometimes even more than the reason they should be getting married for. All the more, The play still holds fast to this train of thought and much like our ancestors that have been seeking oaths into one another , is a reflection of both modern and past views on Marriage. Decades, Centuries, and Eons the act of marriage is one that has come in many forms, each subservient to whatever culture its taking place. Yet in the vast world we live in, a call to the one deep desire in humanity is symbolized through marriage. A sense of unification.

marriage proposal

Chekhov, Drama/Theater

Chekhov Play ” The marriage proposal” shows the harsh reality of marriage specifically in the nineteenth century. Many people only get married for money and status instead of love, which is supposed to be the reason to get married. Although Natasha and Yvonne don’t have an actual love connection, Yvonne wants to marry Natasha to gain economic status. Yvonne and Natasha relationship isn’t daisies and roses like any other couple who is getting married, they happen to be arguing a lot. Chekhov shows the reality of what would happen if two incompatible people were to get married. Chekhov still reflects today because of social media; more people marry for status.

The marriage proposal

Chekhov, Drama/Theater

The “Marriage proposal”  CheKov’s play shows  what is happening right now with young couples. In the play Lomov went to Natalya Stepanovna’s house to propose without knowing her well. He only took in consideration that she was an excellent housekeeper,not bad-looking and well educated but he barely knew her, he had no idea how her character was. If he had known Natalya’s personality before, he would never propose to her.   

In my opinion even though this is a comedy it shows what is happening in real life, many couples are more worried about the fancy proposal that the decision that they are making, so they are more worried about how the proposal should go than WHY we want to spend our life together. For me this is a big problem because before saying yes, we have to have an important conversation about our goals, needs, family, jobs, money and  future children. If you skip the conversation you would have big problems in the future, so  marriage  is  more than a fancy proposal.  

Dunbar-Nelson

Dunbar-Nelson

There were times reading Alice Dunbar-Nelson’s play “Mine Eyes Have Seen” when I felt the play defied Moral Criticism. Ugly things are said, for example when Harvey says that children were crucified in the war, and Chris responds, “Well, what’s that to us? They’re little white children.” But then Dan says, “Hush, Chris, It is not for us to visit retribution. Nor to wish hatred on others…Love of humanity is above the small considerations of time or place or race or sect.”

And that teaches piety and virtue, as Plato envisioned. In fact, the whole play can be seen as uplifting, even though the subject is depressing. An African-American family is living in a tenement in the north because they were burned out of their house down south. Their father was shot and their mother died of disease. One brother, Dan, was crippled in a factory accident. Sister Lucy cares for Dan and the house. Brother Chris tries to support them all, but finds out he is drafted in WWI.

As sad as this is, the family is quite noble and uplifting. They love and care for each other. And Dan reminds the others that African-Americans have always fought in the country’s wars. “They went in 1776…Ours was the first blood shed on the altar of National liberty. We went in 1812 Our men were through the struggles of 1861..they were there in 1898.” Their pride, honor and sacrifice comes through.

Dunbar-Nelson

Dunbar-Nelson

The moral criticism in the story “Mine Eyes Have Seen” by Alice Dunbar-Nelson is both corrupting to citizens and it also shows morals. As Plato said “hold the mirror up to nature” depicting the lowest strata of human behavior because there are three brothers and sisters that only have each other. Dan the oldest and he is cripple, Lucy and Chris the youngest. Chris got drafted to join the army but he doesn’t want to go because of how this country treated his family. His father was murdered and his dead didn’t get no justice and his mother died right after. They were living in a nice home but the whites people drove them out of there like dogs because they are a black family. 

In the play the story shows that even though the family experiences in this country weren’t all great Dan wants his brother Chris to go to the army and serve his country. They have each other to help out one and another and support each other. Chris don’t want to go but in the end he does.

Drama/Theater, Dunbar-Nelson

Drama/Theater, Dunbar-Nelson

Moral criticism is a form of literary analysis that focuses on the ethical and moral implications of a work of literature. This approach is often associated with the philosopher Plato, who believed that literature should teach piety and virtue, and should be uplifting to society. In the case of Alice Dunbar-Nelson’s play “Mine Eyes Have Seen,” it is difficult to say whether the work exemplifies moral criticism or defies it. On one hand, the play could be seen as depicting the lowest strata of human behavior, which might be considered corrupting to citizens. On the other hand, the play could also be seen as holding a mirror up to nature, showing the harsh realities of society and the struggles of marginalized individuals. A case can be made for both. Although I believe the latter, we see the true nature of humanity and its dire need for justice when the injustice arrives. Is depiction of evil/injustice in it of itself wrong? Or could it help to push the reader to further grasp the consequences it could have on the second party. Or in this instance the marginalized group in the play “Mine Eyes Have Seen”.

Ultimately, the interpretation of the play’s moral implications will depend on the individual reader and their own personal values and beliefs. Some may see the play as upholding Plato’s vision of literature as a teaching tool for virtue and piety, while others may see it as defying this vision by depicting the harsh realities of life. In either case, the play is likely to spark debate and discussion about the role of literature in shaping our understanding of ethics and morality.

Mine eyes have never seen

Drama/Theater, Dunbar-Nelson, Uncategorized

Alice Dunbar-Nelson play “Mine eyes have never seen ” shows the horrific and domestic lives of black families back then. During that time many black families were being separated due to the racism they had to experience. The play consists of a black father and husband who was lynched due to his racist white neighbors who did not want him to be successful. The man’s family which consists of his wife and three children is having a hard taking this in as they have to move up north. Tragically the mother passes away due to pneumonia and heartbreak shortly after.

This play shows moral criticism by showing how humans are cruel to each other in societies. In this play it shows the harsh realities in a society. A man with a promising career and beautiful because of the hatred and jealousy of others. Society has always been filled with people who in competition and comparison with others when in reality it shouldn’t be like that. People cause others pain and suffering since the beginning of time in a society.