Summary: | It is the purpose of chapter one of this thesis to examine the relationships between the theory expressed in Diderot's two dramatic treatises (the Entretiens sur 'Le Fils naturel' and the Discours de la poesie dramatique) and the practice demonstrated in his various plays and dramatic sketches. It is found that the commonplace preconception that Diderot's dramatic theory is brilliantly innovative whilst his plays are flat and uninspired cannot fully be accepted: many of the ideas expressed in the theoretical works had already been put forward by earlier French writers whilst the plays, although containing a large number of traditional devices, do put into practice many of Diderot's suggested innovations. Although not conforming many of Diderot's suggested innovations. Although not conforming to the model of the drame which is discussed in his dramatic theory, Diderot's last play, Est-il bon? Est-il mechant?, can be seen to be a remarkably complex and inventive comedy and undoubtedly his greatest theatrical achievement.
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