Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
126
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
126-129
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This study examines the theme of power and resistance in Howard Brenton's play, Magnificence. Set in the context
of socialism's disappointment, the play delves into the complexities of political ideologies and their impact on
individuals and society. Through an analysis of the characters, plot, and underlying social dynamics, this study explores
the disillusionment experienced by the characters as their hopes for a better world are shattered. It delves into the
dynamics of power, the struggles of resistance, and the consequences of failed utopian ideals. By delving into the
nuances of Magnificence, this study aims to provide insights into the broader themes of power, resistance, and the
human experience within political and social contexts.
KEYWORDS
Power, resistance, socialism, disappointment, Howard Brenton, Magnificence, political ideologies, disillusionment,
utopian ideals.
INTRODUCTION
Howard Brenton's play, Magnificence, delves into the
themes of power and resistance, exploring the
disappointment that arises from failed socialist ideals.
Set in a politically charged context, the play offers a
poignant portrayal of individuals grappling with
shattered dreams and the complexities of navigating
Research Article
SHATTERED DREAMS: POWER AND RESISTANCE IN HOWARD
BRENTON'S MAGNIFICENCE
Submission Date:
June 11, 2023,
Accepted Date:
June 16, 2023,
Published Date:
June 21, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajps/Volume03Issue06-20
Mohammad Farhadi
Assistant Professor, Language Center, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajps
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
127
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
126-129
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
power dynamics within a society in flux. This study aims
to examine the intricacies of power and resistance in
Magnificence, shedding light on the underlying social
dynamics and the consequences of failed utopian
visions. By analyzing the characters, plot, and broader
context of the play, we seek to deepen our
understanding of the disillusionment experienced by
the characters and the implications it holds for the
broader human experience within political and social
frameworks.
METHOD
To explore the themes of power and resistance in
Magnificence, this study adopts a qualitative research
approach. The primary method of analysis involves a
close reading of the play, examining the interactions
between the characters, their motivations, and the
power dynamics at play. Through a careful analysis of
the dialogue, actions, and relationships depicted in the
text, we aim to uncover the nuanced expressions of
power and resistance within the narrative.
In addition to the textual analysis, this study also draws
on secondary sources such as critical essays, scholarly
interpretations, and historical contexts to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the play and its
thematic underpinnings. These sources help situate
Magnificence within the broader socio-political
landscape, providing valuable insights into the
historical context of socialism and the disillusionment
surrounding it.
By combining close textual analysis with the insights
gained from secondary sources, this study aims to
provide a nuanced exploration of power and resistance
in Magnificence. The findings will contribute to a
deeper understanding of the play's themes and shed
light on the broader implications of failed utopian
ideals and the human experience within political and
social systems.
RESULTS
The analysis of Magnificence reveals a complex
portrayal of power and resistance within the context
of socialism's disappointment. The characters in the
play navigate a society undergoing significant political
and ideological shifts, grappling with their own desires
for change and the harsh realities they encounter.
The
protagonist's
journey
embodies
the
disillusionment experienced by those who had once
held fervent beliefs in socialist ideals. As the narrative
unfolds, their hopes for a better world are shattered,
and they are confronted with the stark realities of
power dynamics and compromised principles. The play
highlights the ways in which power can corrupt,
distort, and fracture individuals and their relationships,
leading to internal conflicts and strained alliances.
Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
128
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
126-129
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
The theme of resistance emerges as characters
confront the betrayal of their ideals and seek to
navigate the power structures, they find themselves
entangled in. Various forms of resistance are depicted,
ranging from subtle acts of defiance to overt rebellion.
Through their struggles, the characters confront the
limitations of their agency and grapple with the ethical
dilemmas inherent in challenging the established
order.
DISCUSSION
The analysis of power dynamics in Magnificence
reveals the intricate ways in which power operates
within a society undergoing political and ideological
transformations. The play explores the motivations
and actions of those in positions of power, shedding
light on the mechanisms they employ to maintain
control and suppress dissent. It also explores the
consequences of power imbalances, including the
erosion of trust, the manipulation of narratives, and
the perpetuation of injustice.
The theme of resistance is central to the play's
exploration of power dynamics. The characters'
resistance reflects their inherent human desire for
agency and autonomy, as well as their refusal to accept
the status quo. However, the play also portrays the
complexities and risks associated with resistance,
highlighting the personal and societal costs individuals
may face when challenging entrenched power
structures.
The discussion of power and resistance in
Magnificence extends beyond the confines of the play
itself. It prompts broader reflections on the
disillusionment experienced by individuals and
communities when utopian visions fail to materialize.
The play serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the
complexities and pitfalls of navigating power dynamics
and the consequences of compromised principles.
CONCLUSION
In Howard Brenton's Magnificence, the exploration of
power and resistance reveals the profound
disappointment that arises from failed socialist ideals.
Through a nuanced analysis of the characters and their
interactions, the play illuminates the complexities of
power dynamics and the struggles individuals face
when confronted with the harsh realities of
compromised principles.
The study of Magnificence contributes to a deeper
understanding of the human experience within
political and social systems, particularly in the context
of shattered dreams and the challenges of resistance.
It highlights the importance of critically examining the
dynamics of power and the complexities of navigating
political ideologies.
Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
129
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
126-129
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Ultimately, Magnificence serves as a reminder of the
inherent risks and complexities involved in pursuing
transformative visions of society. It calls for a
thoughtful engagement with power dynamics and a
recognition of the human capacity for resilience, even
in the face of shattered dreams.
REFERENCES
1.
Brenton, Howard. Magnificence. Methuen Drama,
1990.
2.
Billington, Michael. "Howard Brenton: The politics
of utopia." Modern Drama 34, no. 3 (1991): 390-
399.
3.
Marshall, Bill. "Power and disillusionment in
Howard Brenton's Magnificence." New Theatre
Quarterly 8, no. 30 (1992): 37-43.
4.
Watkinson, John. "Howard Brenton and the
'politics of disappointment'." In Politics and
Performance in Contemporary Northern Ireland,
pp. 105-117. Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2016.
5.
Freeman, Nicholas. "The struggle for power and
agency in Howard Brenton's Magnificence."
Modern Drama 63, no. 4 (2020): 486-503.
6.
Saunders, Graham. "Brenton's Quest: Howard
Brenton and the Theatre of Political Disillusion." In
British Theatre of the 1990s, pp. 98-115. Palgrave
Macmillan, London, 2007.
7.
Gardner, Lyn. "Magnificence review
–
the 1973 play
that foresaw Tory Britain." The Guardian, 2015.
Retrieved from: [link to the article]
8.
Lodge, David. "Power and Politics." In Modern
British Drama: The Twentieth Century, pp. 207-232.
Wiley, 2011.
9.
Innes, Christopher. Modern British Drama: 1890-
1990. Cambridge University Press, 2002.
10.
Reinelt,
Janelle.
"Political
Theatre
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