4.3 Blind-alley themes … and others
As indicated by the name, a blind-alley theme is one from which there is no exit. It is a problem incapable of solution, or of which all possible
solutions are equally unsatisfactory and undesirable. The dramatist should make very sure not to be caught in this situation of equally unacceptable alternatives. Such a play wears and bores the spirit and is an artistic blunder.
The end of a play should satisfy us inside – like our experience of truth, justice, humor, vanity of aspiration, etc. If it does not, it leaves one unfulfilled and without closure – and dissatisfied.
Two famous plays employ blind-alley themes – “Measure for Measure” (Shakespeare) and “Monna Vanna” (Maeterlinck). Shakespeare,
confesses the problem insoluble in the fact that he leaves it
unsolved - evading it by means of a mediaeval trick. Isabella is forced to choose between what can only be described as two detestable evils. What is the use of presenting it? What is the artistic profit of letting the imagination play around a problem which merely baffles and repels it? Though the play contains some wonderful poetry, and has been revived from time to time, it has never taken any real hold upon popular esteem – since it does not ultimately satisfy.
The challenge of these two themes is not merely that they are “unpleasant.” It is that there is no possible way out of them that is not worse than unpleasant: humiliating and distressing. The playwright should make sure that he has some sort of satisfaction to offer the audience at the end, before he chooses to embark on a blind-alley theme.
Examples of themes that are better to avoid:
· Marriage – over used and too conventional
· Revenge – an outworn passion of vindictiveness
· Heroic self-sacrifice – an outworn passion
· oath or promise of secrecy