Purchase Solution

Topdog, the play

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

This posting questions, "Is Topdog/Underdog a tragedy according to Aristotle's and Miller's criteria? Is it a tragedy according to your criteria?"

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This posting analyzes this piece in terms of style, elements, themes, etc.

Solution Preview

Although the question is highly subjective, I believe that the play correlates with both definitions of tragedy. First, Arthur Miller believes that tragedy may also "depict ordinary people in domestic surroundings" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy#Modern_tragedy). As a result, Topdog/Underdog also exemplifies ordinary men in ordinary settings. Since Topdog/Underdog utilizes social realism and naturalism to show how both men respond to environmental forces such as poverty and racism, Miller's definition is emphasized. Topdog/Underdog is a modern Cain and Abel story that is set in present day New York.

In addition, the play also conforms to Artistotle's definition because he asserts that the ...

Solution provided by:
Stacy Shaneyfelt, MA
Education
  • BS , Slippery Rock University
  • MA, Slippery Rock University
Recent Feedback
  • "thk u"
  • "Thank you. Posted one more.. if you are online pls help. "
  • "thk u"
  • "thk u"
  • "thnk you"
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Which play is it?

This quiz will give you one of the main ideas of a play. You have to guess which play is being talked about.

Public Speaking Quiz

Quiz your understanding of public speaking. Learn about the elements of a solid speech.

Introduction to Theatre

This quiz will examine the basic knowledge students have of theatre, including terms, history, and purpose.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Genre and Topdop/Underdog

    89046 According to Aristotle and Arthur Miller, is Topdog/Underdog a tragedy? This solution deconstructs the play in order to classify its genre of tragedy. The play correlates with both definitions of tragedy.

  • Huizinga's theory of play

    This is because play becomes formalized and rules are established, therefore play shifts into a normative role. The play community is the tool through which play changes into culture.

  • Toddler play

    Although there will be times when parents 'organize' the child's play, most play should be spontaneous and unstructured by the parent.

  • "Importance of Play" article

    453217 "Importance of Play" article Review the article "Importance of Play" (http://www.goplayproject.org/2010/06/importance-of-play/) and watch the videos, "Stuart Brown: Why Play Is Vital - No Matter Your Age" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?

  • Drawing Venn Diagrams

    , 1 boy plays all three sports, 1 girl plays all three sports, 9 students play tennis, 3 boys play soccer and tennis, 3 girls play soccer and tennis, 12 girls play at least one of the 3 sports.

  • Play is Powerful

    639021 Play is Powerful How does play influence a student's learning capacity? How can a teacher support student discovery through play in the classroom? Hello. The importance of play is such a fascinating topic.

  • Early Populations in Play Therapy

    The child creates the themes and sets the direction and intensity of play activities. Earlier and contemporary models of play and are also similar in that Play therapy was aimed at reducing internalizing behavioral problems.

  • Integration of Play Therapy

    Realizing that children worked out their conflicts through play, Lowenfeld developed her theory of play therapy by using the sandbox. She used the technique of sand play in her clinical settings by adding sand trays to children's playrooms.

  • Phaedra

    Does the play have the proper number of acts? 6. Does the play follow the three unities? (unity of time, unity of place, and unity of action) 7. Overall, how well do you think this play meets the neoclassical ideal?

View More Related Solutions