Dramatism Communication Theory in Literature

Introduction: Dramatism Communication Theory in Literature

Developed by Kenneth Burke, dramatism communication theory in literature is a prominent framework in rhetorical and communication studies. It centers on the concept of human motives and communication as symbolic action.

The theory employs the pentad framework, which includes five key elements: act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose, to analyze and understand the motivations behind human actions and communication.

Dramatism emphasizes the power of language and symbols in shaping human behavior, fostering identification, and exploring the persuasive use of rhetoric in various contexts, making it a valuable tool for dissecting communication and motives.

Criticism Against Dramatism Communication Theory in Literature

1. Overemphasis on Language: Critics argue that dramatism theory in literature places an excessive emphasis on language as the primary tool of communication, neglecting non-verbal communication and other important factors.
2. Simplistic Pentad Structure: Some critics find the pentad framework oversimplified, suggesting that it may not adequately capture the complexities of human motives and communication.
3. Limited Predictive Power: Critics contend that dramatism theory is better suited for analyzing past communication events than predicting future actions or behaviors.
4. Neglect of Non-Human Agents: The theory primarily focuses on human agents, ignoring the role of non-human agents and technological influences in contemporary communication.
5. Underestimation of Context: Critics argue that dramatism’s focus on the pentad elements might lead to an underestimation of the importance of context in shaping motives and communication.
6. Cultural and Contextual Bias: The theory’s origins in Western culture may limit its applicability to non-Western contexts, leading to potential cultural and contextual bias.
7. Lack of Empirical Research: Some critics assert that dramatism theory lacks a substantial body of empirical research to support its claims and principles.
8. Difficulty in Application: Applying dramatism theory to real-world communication situations can be challenging and subjective, leading to varying interpretations and analyses.
9. Inadequate for Mass Media Analysis: Critics argue that dramatism may not be the most suitable theory for analyzing mass media, where motives are often complex and multifaceted.
10. Limited Integration with Other Theories: Some critics contend that dramatism communication theory in literature operates in relative isolation, making it challenging to integrate with other communication theories and approaches.

Examples of Dramatism Communication Theory in Literature

Work	Critique
William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”	– Pentad Analysis: Applying the pentad to “Macbeth” reveals that the act of Macbeth’s ambition, set in the scene of a power-hungry Scotland, driven by the agent Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s manipulative agency, serves the purpose of seizing the throne. The analysis highlights the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition. – Identification: The language in “Macbeth” fosters identification with characters, such as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, and their shared ambition for power. The use of soliloquies and asides allows the audience to connect with their internal struggles. – Rhetoric and Persuasion: Shakespeare’s use of persuasive language, particularly in Lady Macbeth’s speeches, showcases the power of rhetoric in manipulating Macbeth’s actions and the unfolding tragedy. – Contextual Analysis: Understanding the historical and political context of Shakespeare’s time is essential for interpreting the play’s motives and messages. The play resonated with themes of ambition and power struggles of the era.
George Orwell’s 1984	– Pentad Analysis: In “1984,” the act of resistance to totalitarianism occurs in the scene of a dystopian society, where the agent Winston Smith employs the agency of thought and rebellion with the purpose of challenging the oppressive regime. The analysis highlights the consequences of rebellion in a repressive context. – Identification: The language used by Winston and other characters in “1984” creates identification with the struggle for individuality and freedom, making readers empathize with the characters’ motives. – Rhetoric and Persuasion: The novel illustrates the power of state propaganda and manipulation through language to control the thoughts and actions of the citizens in Oceania. – Theoretical Flexibility: Applying Dramatism to “1984” allows for an interdisciplinary critique encompassing literature, politics, and sociology, demonstrating the flexibility of the theory in analyzing complex works.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech	– Pentad Analysis: Dr. King’s speech involves the act of advocating for civil rights, set in the scene of the Civil Rights Movement, with Dr. King as the agent using peaceful protest as the agency to achieve the purpose of racial equality. The analysis highlights the moral imperative of the civil rights struggle. – Identification: Dr. King’s powerful language fosters identification with the dream of racial equality, creating a shared purpose among the audience and civil rights activists. – Rhetoric and Persuasion: The speech showcases Dr. King’s masterful use of rhetoric, employing persuasive techniques to inspire and mobilize a nation to support the civil rights movement. – Dramatistic Criticism: Applying Dramatism to this speech allows for a closer examination of the rhetorical strategies employed to persuade the audience and achieve the intended purpose.
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice	– Pentad Analysis: In “Pride and Prejudice,” the act of romantic courtship occurs in the scene of the British landed gentry, with characters like Elizabeth Bennet as agents and societal norms as the agency, all with the purpose of securing advantageous marriages. The analysis sheds light on the societal pressures of the Regency era. – Identification: Austen’s language creates identification with the characters’ desire for love and marriage, allowing readers to empathize with their motives and societal constraints. – Rhetoric and Persuasion: The novel subtly employs rhetorical devices through dialogues and character interactions to convey the characters’ desires and societal expectations. – Language as a Key Tool: The language in “Pride and Prejudice” serves as a tool for conveying social norms and expectations, highlighting the significance of language as symbolic action.

Keywords in Dramatism Communication Theory in Literature

1. Pentad: The fundamental framework in dramatism theory comprising five elements – act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose – used to analyze motives and communication.
2. Identification: The process of using language and symbols to create a sense of shared identity, bridging gaps between the communicator and the audience.
3. Rhetoric: The art of persuasive communication, exploring how language is employed to influence and convey motives.
4. Symbolic Action: The idea that language is not just a means of communication but an action in itself, shaping individuals’ understanding and interaction with the world.
5. Motives: The underlying reasons and intentions behind human communication and actions, which dramatism seeks to uncover and analyze.
6. Dramatistic Criticism: A method for analyzing texts and speeches by examining the pentad elements to reveal the motives and persuasive techniques in communication.
7. Language: An essential tool in dramatism theory, serving as the medium for conveying motives and influencing human behavior.
8. Contextual Analysis: The examination of the circumstances and environment in which communication takes place, including the scene, agent, and agency, to decipher motives.
9. Theoretical Flexibility: The adaptability of dramatism communication theory in literature, allowing it to be applied to various disciplines and contexts, making it a versatile framework for understanding human motives and communication.
10. Identification Through Language: The process of using language to create connections and shared understanding among individuals, facilitating the acceptance of motives and ideas.

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.