Das moderne Drama

moderne Drama, Das, a treatise by H. Hettner, published in 1852. It is divided into three sections: (1) Die historische Tragödie; (2) Das bürgerliche Drama; (3) Die Komödie. The first attacks those dramatists who imitate Shakespeare's ‘Histories’ under the impression that epic breadth is the essence of tragedy. In Hettner's view historical tragedy must have roots in the age in which it is written. In the second section Hettner expresses approval of social drama, but condemns the work of existing practitioners, with the exception of Hebbel. The third section is partly concerned with R. Wagner: while believing that Wagner (whose most recent work when Hettner wrote was Lohengrin) overstates his case, Hettner puts forward the view that comedy should be serene, rather than witty or ingenious, and that it should make considerable use of music.