UNIT: 22 NOTES OF PLAY (PROGRESS)

ONE - ACT PLAY

A one-act play is a play that has only one act, as distinct from plays that
occur over several acts. One-act plays may consist of one or more scenes.
One-act plays are somewhat different from full-length drama. A one-act play
revolves around one main incident. This action will follow the standard plot
chart beginning with a “cut to the chase” exposition, followed by intriguing
rising action. The conflict the main character encounters will enter the drama
early on, and will be resolved by the end of the play. The climax, or turning
point, will most likely occur near the end, followed by falling action and
resolution.

“Progress” by St. John Greer Ervine is a successful specimen of a one

act play. It has not only a unity of theme (the abolition of war) the unities of
time; place and action are also meticulously maintained.
Thematically, “Progress” is written against the background of the First World
War in which thousands were butchered and many more became disabled for
life. This insensible devastation has created diverse reactions in social
thinking, and “Progress” by the Irish playwright St. John Greer Ervine is just
the product of one of the strongest of these sentiments, namely the anti-war
feeling of the post war modern age.

Through the basic conflict between two ideas- the point of view of the war
mongering arm dealers (represented through the character of Professor
Corrie) and that of the peace loving universal mothers of our house
(represented by Mrs. Meldon) the drama has also sufficiently exposed the
motive behind wars –which is to perpetuate and extend the class interest the
of the war –mongering imperialists and exploiters, who sit safe and secure
–far behind the fighting lines, when the poor sacrifice their lives in the
trenches. The conflict is finally resolved in favour of the latter point of view
through the murder of Corrie-peace here affirms itself through a little violence;
true progress, it seems, necessitates the destruction of the means of
destruction. Indeed, there is a tragic severity in the revelation of Mrs.Meldon’s
austere and unfathomed bereavement, which is at the same time heart
–rending and awe –inspiring. Though essentially a one-act play, Ervine’s
“Progress” thus leaves a lasting effect of a full length drama. Since the play
has little physical action, the interest of the play is maintained by its sharp
dialogue, conveying the ideological conflict of the characters. Each character
has his or own individual manner and style of speech, keeping parity with the
character’s bent of mind and point of view.
CLIMAX & ANTI- CLIMAX

Climax, (Greek: “ladder”), in dramatic and nondramatic fiction, is an

important element of any literary genre in the structure of a play or novel, it
is the point at which the central conflict reaches the highest point of
intensity. In a more general sense, the climax is any point of great intensity
in a literary work. It is the decisive moment, or turning point, at which the
rising action of the play is reversed to falling action. It may or may not
coincide with the highest point of interest in the drama.

Climax is that particular point in a narrative at which the conflict or tension

hits the highest point. It is a structural part of a plot, and is at times referred
to as a “crisis.” It is a decisive moment or a turning point in a storyline at
which the rising action turns around into a falling action. Thus, a climax is
the point at which a conflict or crisis reaches its peak, and then calls for
a resolution or Denouement (conclusion).

Anti-climax in a story can be defined as a disappointing situation, or a

sudden transition in discourse from an important idea to a ludicrous or
trivial one. It is when, at a specific point, expectations are raised, everything
is built-up, and then suddenly something boring or disappointing happens
— this is an anti-climax. Besides that, the order of statements gradually
descends in anti-climax. Generally ludicrous or comic effect is produced by
anti-climax. When employed intentionally, it devalues the subject.
Therefore, it is frequently used for satirical and humorous composition in
literature and movies. However, sometimes it is used unintentionally – then
it is known as “bathos.”

Climax of the Play Progress by St John Green Ervine

The climax of the play ‘Progress’, approaches when Mrs Meldon asks her
brother to destroy his malignant invention. She gently reminds him that his
invention of bomb will lead to the death of hundreds of young men like her
son Eddie. But he ignores her words and gloats over his invention and the
fame and wealth he expects to earn from it. When Mrs. Meldon is
convinced that her brother will not suppress his invention at any cost, she
decides to do away with him along with his deadly invention. She destroys
the sheets of paper on which Corrie has written the formulae. Prof. Corrie
remains unaffected because he says that the formulae remain embedded
 in his brain and he can reproduce them easily. The play builds up to a final
climactic scene when Mrs. Meldon cannot tolerate his inhumanity any
more. While he stoops to pick up the sheets, she stabs him on the back
with a knife and kills him. By killing her brother, she suppresses his foul
invention and eradicates the means of destruction at the same time. Prof.
Corrie’s murder by his sister, though tragic, is highly dramatic. The interest
of the climax is maintained by its sharp dialogues, conveying the
ideological conflict of the characters.

THEME

The theme in a story is its underlying message, or 'big idea.' In other

words, what critical belief about life is the author trying to convey in the
writing of a novel, play, short story or poem? This belief, or idea,
transcends cultural barriers. It is usually universal in nature. When a theme
is universal, it touches on the human experience, regardless of race or
language. It is what the story means. Often, a piece of writing will have
more than one theme.

“Progress” by St. John Greer Ervine is a successful specimen of a

one-act play. It has not only a unity of theme (the abolition of war) the
unities of time; place and action are also meticulously maintained.
Thematically, “Progress” is written against the background of the First
World War in which thousands were butchered and many more became
disabled for life. It left many mothers childless and incredible number of
widows and orphans. This insensible devastation has created diverse
reactions in social thinking, and “Progress” is just the product of one of the
strongest of these sentiments, namely the anti-war feeling of the post
war modern age.

Characterization

Characterization is the process of conveying information about characters in fiction.

These characters are presented through actions, dialogues, their thoughts as well as
description. Writers make use of characterization as a literary tool to bring characters
to life. It is an essential part of writing a play, novel or short story, it helps you to
understand the characters and how each characters personality and perspectives can
help drive the plot forward.

In fictional literature, authors use many different types of characters to tell their stories.
Different types of characters fulfill different roles in the narrative process and the
general purpose is to extend the plot.

Major or central characters are vital to the development and resolution of the conflict.
In other words, the plot and resolution of conflict revolves around these characters.

Minor (secondary or supporting characters) serves to complement the major

characters and help more the plot events forward.

Protagonist is the main character who generates the action of a story and engages
the reader’s interest and empathy. He or she always faces a conflict that must be
resolved.

In the paly “Progress”, Mrs. Meldon, aged about forty three, is the protagonist of the
play. Her entry is quite dramatic; she hates war and is desirous of a war free world
where people may lead a peaceful life.

Antagonist is the character that represents the opposition against the protagonist. In
other words, the antagonist is an obstacle that the protagonist must overcome.

In the play “Progress”, Prof. Henry Corrie is the antagonist of the play who believes
that war will never end because humans are pugnacious by nature. Therefore, war
weapons must be made more horrible and devastating that may obliterate thousands
at once.

Dynamic character is a person who changes over time usually as a result of resolving
a conflict or facing major crisis. A protagonist is usually a dynamic character.

In the play”Progress”, Mrs. Meldon is the dynamic character who undergoes significant
internal change throughout the course of the play.

Static character is someone who does not change over time. His or her personality
does not transform or evolve.

In the paly “Progress”, Mr. Corrie is a static character who does not undergo any
significant change and remains cruel and heartless scientist who meets his tragic end
at the hands of his sister.

Round/Flexible character is fully- developed figure in the story. They are more
realistic and complex and show a true depth of personality. They are often portrayed
as conflicted and contradictory personality and they can cope with changes in
circumstances. They can make surprise decisions.

In the play “Progress” Mrs. Meldon is a round/flexible character who encounters

conflict and her personality has gone through a dramatic change and she has taken a
decision and stabs her brother to death.

Flat/Inflexible character is the opposite of round character who does not change
throughout the course of the play or story because they refuse to change their mind or
alter their way of doing things.

In the play “Progress” Henry Corrie is the flat/inflexible character who does not change
from the beginning to the end of the play.

Foil: A foil is any character (Usually the antagonist or an important supporting

character) whose personal qualities contrast with another character (usually the
protagonist). By providing this contrast, we get to know more about the other
character.

In the play “Progress”, both the characters, Mrs. Meldon and Prof. Corrie are a foil for
each in terms of their traits and outlook about war.

Mrs. Meldon is very sensitive lady having great love and concern for humanity whereas
Prof. Corrie is a heartless and true hater of humanity.

Two types of characterization

Direct characterization: In direct characterization, the writer makes direct statments

about a character’s personality and tells what the character is like.

In the play “Progress”, Prof. Corrie is an example of direct characterization.

Indirect characterization: In indirect characterization, the writer reveals information

about a character and his/her personality through that character’s thoughts, words and
actions along with how other characters respond to that character, including what they
think and say about him/her.
In the play “Progress”, Mrs. Meldon is an example of indirect characterization.

PLOT

Ans: Plot is the sequence of interconnected events within the story of a

play, novel or any other narrative literary work. It reveals the cause_ and
_effect relationships between the events that occur. There are five
elements of a plot which include Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling
Action and Resolution. These elements emphasize that a strong plot is
centered on one moment-an interruption of a pattern, a turning point or an
action that raises a dramatic question which must be answered throughout
the course of the story.

With respect to the plot of the play Progress, the events happen in a
concrete sequence. This one act play written after the First World War,
takes place in the room of professor Corrie. He is a scientist who has
developed the formula for a devastating bomb. He is quiet excited for his
invention as he is going to be a wealthy man due to it. On the other hand
his sister Mrs.Meldon is shown in a state of grief as she has lost her only
son Eddie in the war. She wants her brother not to invent the disastrous
bomb that will take the life of several innocent civilians. When professor
Corrie shows resistance in listening to her advice, she kills her own brother
just for the sake of humanity and world peace. Thus the main events of this
play presented by the writer as an interrelated sequence proves that the
play is not about progress rather destruction.

CONFLICT
 In literature, a conflict is a literary device characterized by a struggle
between two opposing forces. Conflict provides crucial tension in any story
and is used to drive the narrative forward. It is often used to reveal a
deeper meaning in a narrative while highlighting characters’ motivations,
values, and weaknesses. All conflict falls into two categories: internal and
external.

Internal conflict is when a character struggles with their own opposing

desires or beliefs. It happens within them, and it drives their development
as a character.

External conflict sets a character against The most straightforward type of

external conflict is when a character in a story struggles against another
character physically.

Progress” is written against the background of the First World War in which
thousands were butchered and many more became disabled for life. It left
many mothers childless and incredible number of widows and orphans.
This insensible devastation has created diverse reactions in social thinking.

The main conflict in the play ‘Progress’ is ideological in nature. Mrs. Meldon
loves peace and hates war whereas Prof. Corrie, her brother, wants to see
the destruction of the world with the invention of his bomb. Mrs. Meldon
tries her best to stop Corrie from inventing the bomb but to no avail. He
keeps on refusing to destroy the bomb formula and shows inclination
towards inventing it.

When Mrs. Meldon knows that Prof. Corrie will not move back from his
plan, in rage she kills him with a knife just to save humanity and peace of
the world.

In this way, the conflict is resolved.

RESOLUTION

The resolution is the end of the story. It occurs after the CLIMAX. It is when you learn
what happens to the characters after the CONFLICT is resolved. ( For play see from
the given notes.)