The great depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, marked by massive unemployment, poverty, and a collapse of financial institutions. This period deeply influenced cultural and artistic expressions, leading to new forms of theatre and the philosophical movement of Absurdism, which reflected the despair and existential questions people faced in such uncertain times.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Depression began with the Stock Market Crash of 1929, which wiped out millions of investors and led to widespread bank failures.
2. Unemployment rates soared during the Great Depression, reaching as high as 25% in the United States, causing immense suffering for families and individuals.
3. Many artists and playwrights during this time turned to themes of despair and absurdity in their work, responding to the harsh realities of life in a struggling economy.
4. The Great Depression paved the way for significant government intervention in the economy, including programs like the New Deal in the U.S. aimed at providing relief and recovery.
5. The period fostered a questioning of traditional values and societal structures, contributing to the development of Absurdism as a response to the perceived meaninglessness of life.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression influence the themes found in Absurdist theatre?
  • The Great Depression significantly shaped the themes found in Absurdist theatre by reflecting the existential despair and uncertainty that people faced during this time. Playwrights began exploring the absurdity of life, illustrating characters grappling with meaningless existence against a backdrop of economic hardship. This connection between personal struggle and societal collapse led to theatrical works that highlighted human isolation and the futility of seeking meaning in a chaotic world.
• Discuss how the economic challenges of the Great Depression led to changes in theatrical practices and styles.
  • The economic challenges of the Great Depression forced many theaters to adapt their practices and styles to resonate with audiences experiencing hardship. Productions became more focused on realism and social commentary, portraying the struggles of everyday people. This shift allowed theatre to serve as both entertainment and a form of protest against societal issues, ultimately contributing to the rise of movements like Absurdism that questioned reality and meaning in turbulent times.
• Evaluate how Absurdism emerged as a philosophical response to societal changes brought about by events like the Great Depression.
  • Absurdism emerged as a philosophical response to societal changes during events like the Great Depression by confronting individuals with their existential crises amidst chaos. As traditional values crumbled under economic strain, thinkers began emphasizing humanity's struggle for meaning in an indifferent universe. The Great Depression exemplified this conflict; people's search for purpose became increasingly futile in light of overwhelming despair. Thus, Absurdism provided a lens through which individuals could grapple with their experiences and explore deeper philosophical questions about existence, freedom, and responsibility.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that emphasizes the conflict between humans' desire to find inherent meaning in life and the indifferent universe that offers none.

Existentialism:

A philosophical movement focused on individual existence, freedom, and choice, often exploring themes of despair, absurdity, and the search for meaning.

Stock Market Crash of 1929: A major stock market crash in the United States that marked the beginning of the Great Depression, leading to widespread economic failure and financial ruin.