Dramatism Communication Theory

Introduction: Dramatism Communication Theory

Dramatism communication theory, developed by Kenneth Burke, views human communication as a form of symbolic action that involves the use of language to create and negotiate meaning.

According to Burke, people use language to tell stories about themselves, others, and the world around them, and these stories help to shape their perceptions of reality and guide their behavior.

Dramatism emphasizes the role of language in shaping human experience, and it explores how language use reflects and influences social power dynamics. Through the analysis of symbols and narratives, dramatism seeks to uncover the underlying motivations and values that shape human communication and action.

Is Dramatism a Literary Theory?

While Dramatism certainly draws on literary elements and techniques, it is not strictly a literary theory.

Rather, it is a communication theory that seeks to understand human communication and behavior through the analysis of language and symbols. Dramatism is concerned with how language use reflects and influences social power dynamics, and it explores the underlying motivations and values that shape human communication and action.

While dramatism certainly has applications in the analysis of literature, it is not limited to the study of literary texts, and it is widely used in fields such as rhetoric, sociology, and cultural studies.

Dramatism Communication Theory and Literature

• Dramatism can be applied to the analysis of literary texts, such as novels, plays, and poetry, to uncover the underlying motivations and values that shape characters and their actions.
• Dramatism emphasizes the role of language in shaping human experience, and this is particularly relevant in the analysis of literature, which relies heavily on language to create meaning.
• Through the analysis of symbols and narratives in literary texts, Dramatism can reveal the power dynamics at play in the text, including how characters are positioned in relation to each other and to larger social structures.
• Dramatism can also be used to explore how literary texts reflect and reinforce cultural values and ideologies, and how they contribute to the formation of social identities.
• Finally, Dramatism can help readers to critically examine the assumptions and biases that are present in literary texts and to understand how these texts contribute to broader discourses around power, identity, and representation.

Definition of Dramatism Communication Theory

Dramatism is a communication theory developed by Kenneth Burke that explores the role of language in shaping human experience. It emphasizes how people use language to create and negotiate meaning, and to reflect and reinforce social power dynamics.

Through the analysis of symbols and narratives, dramatism seeks to uncover the underlying motivations and values that shape human communication and action.

Dramatism Communication Theory: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorist:

• Kenneth Burke (1897-1993): Kenneth Burke is the central proponent of the dramatism theory. He was an American literary theorist, philosopher, and rhetorician renowned for his contributions to rhetorical theory and criticism.

Key Works:

1. A Grammar of Motives (1945): In this seminal work, Burke introduces the concept of the pentad, which is fundamental to dramatism. He examines how people use symbols and language to persuade and communicate.
2. A Rhetoric of Motives (1950): Burke further expands on his theory, delving into the motives and strategies behind human communication, emphasizing the role of rhetoric.
3. Language as Symbolic Action (1966): This work explores the significance of language in shaping our understanding of the world and how it influences human behavior and communication.
4. The Rhetoric of Religion: Studies in Logology (1961): In this book, Burke applies his dramatism theory to the analysis of religious symbols and their role in shaping religious discourse and beliefs.
5. Counter-Statement (1931): While an early work, it lays the foundation for his later developments in communication theory.

Key Arguments:

1. The Pentad: Burke’s dramatism theory revolves around the pentad, a framework consisting of five key elements: act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose. These elements help analyze and understand the motives behind human communication and action.
2. Identification: Burke argues that communication is not just about persuasion but also about identification. People use language and symbols to identify with others, bridging the gap between themselves and their audience.
3. Dramatistic Criticism: Dramatism theory provides a method for analyzing texts and speeches by examining the pentad elements. Scholars using dramatistic criticism aim to uncover the motives and persuasive strategies behind communication.
4. Language as Symbolic Action: Burke emphasizes that language is not just a means of communication but an action. Language shapes our understanding of the world and influences how we interact with it.

In short, dramatism communication theory, as developed by Kenneth Burke, focuses on the motives behind human communication and uses the pentad as a central tool for analysis. It underscores the importance of language and symbols in shaping human behavior and understanding.

Principals of Dramatism Communication Theory

Principal	Explanation	Example
Pentad Analysis	Dramatism theory relies on the pentad, which includes five key elements: act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose. These elements are used to analyze human motives and communication.	Analyzing a political speech using the pentad to understand the speaker’s motives and persuasive strategies.
Identification	The theory emphasizes the role of language in fostering identification. People use language and symbols to bridge gaps between themselves and their audience, creating a sense of shared identity.	A leader using inclusive language to make their audience feel a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Rhetoric and Persuasion	Kenneth Burke’s theory places a strong emphasis on the role of rhetoric in human communication. It explores how language is used to persuade, influence, and convey motives.	Analyzing a persuasive advertisement to understand the rhetorical strategies employed to convince consumers.
Symbolic Action	Language, according to Dramatism, is not just a tool for communication but an action in itself. It shapes how individuals understand and interact with the world.	Exploring how the use of symbols and language in a novel conveys deeper meanings and influences readers’ interpretations.
Motives and Strategies	Dramatism seeks to uncover the motives and strategies behind human communication and action. It delves into the reasons why people choose particular symbols and engage in specific forms of communication.	Analyzing a political debate to reveal the underlying motives of the candidates and the strategies they employ.
Dramatistic Criticism	This approach offers a method for analyzing texts and speeches by examining the pentad elements. Scholars employing dramatistic criticism aim to reveal the underlying motives and persuasive techniques in communication.	Critiquing a famous speech using the pentad framework to unveil the hidden motives and rhetorical devices used by the speaker.
Language as a Key Tool	Dramatism theory underscores the critical role of language and symbols in shaping our understanding of the world and influencing human behavior.	Studying how changes in language and terminology can impact social perceptions and behaviors in a particular context.
Contextual Analysis	The theory encourages an examination of the context in which communication occurs. Understanding the scene, agent, and agency is essential for deciphering motives.	Analyzing a historical document by considering the historical context, the individuals involved, and the societal factors at play.
Theoretical Flexibility	Dramatism is often applied to various disciplines, including literature, rhetoric, communication studies, and more. It provides a flexible theoretical framework for understanding human motives and communication.	Applying dramatistic principles to analyze a wide range of cultural artifacts, from literature and film to political speeches and advertisements.

Suggested Readings

1. Burke, Kenneth. A Rhetoric of Motives. University of California Press, 1969.
2. Brummett, Barry. Kenneth Burke’s Dramatism and Popular Arts. Sage Publications, 1994.
3. Condit, Celeste Michelle, and John Louis Lucaites. Crafting Equality: America’s Anglo-African Word. University of Chicago Press, 1993.
4. Foss, Sonja K., and Karen A. Foss. Inviting Transformation: Presentational Speaking for a Changing World. Waveland Press, 2007.