Unit 2a - endnote - Dan Clelland

The main points Gibson focuses on within The Symbolists refers to what characterized the Symbolist period? What may have sculpted different symbolists ideas on the movement? And what caused the sudden outbreak of symbolism on stage in the late 19^th and early 20^th century? This is Gibsons individual take on the influence of different symbolists such as Gustave Moreau (French artist in late 19^th C) throughout this period in history, therefore is a secondary source. As a relatively modern book, being written in the late 20^th century, this is an insight into the transition of naturalism to symbolism. (Gibson, 1999)

The Theatre of Naturalism: Disappearing Act written by Philip Beitchman primarily focuses on Zola, Ibsen and others, work throughout 1871 -1917. This then elaborated on class issues and class wars, and also explained how leadership and dominance within ruling orders influenced practitioners works. This was written in 2011 and again is a secondary source.(Beitchman, 2011)

Richard Eyre’s interpretation of ‘Ghosts’ by Ibsen uses symbolism within words such as the phrase ‘give me the sun’. This may have referred to a gradual loss of life within Act 2 Scene 2 of the mothers son. This is an interpretation of the original play, which was written in Norwegian, by Ibsen in the 1880’s.

Eyre, R. 2012-2014. Act 2 Scene – “the Sun” (2:38) [video online] Available at “https://www.digitaltheatreplus.com/productions/ghosts/act-2-scene-2-the-sun” 14.10.14

Beitchman, P. (2011). The theatre of naturalism: disappearing act (Vol. 185; 185.). New York: Peter Lang.

Gibson, M. (1999). The symbolists. Ko\0308ln ; London: Taschen.