Plot Versus Style (in reference to importance)
First off, let me say that generally I view the plot as more important because it is directly explaining all the things that a style builds too. In metaphorical sense, the plot is the bread part of the cake, while the style is the frosting.
SO, let's start comparing the two plays, yayyyyyy.
OEDIPUS. The style is almost unimportant. Why? With exception to metaphor, I don't think that Sophocles really used much stylistic input. Instead, like most Greek plays, the crowd was only focused on what is happening and what they are seeing. This brings me to a point, THE AUDIENCE LIKES PLOT. Why do the playwrights here write their plays? To entertain the audience. Often it is hard for the audience to hear consonance or the like when it is being played to their ears in real-time. However, deceit, betrayal, murder, arguing, relationship, and anything like that that build to the plot is visible. I can SEE Iago betraying Othello.
THE WILD DUCK. Well, this play I would argue places more importance on the style simply because through act 2 the plot seems.....well...boring. The audience would not be enthused with the simple conversations of the characters. Gregers is renting a room out? Big deal. That is the most climatic point so far? Lammmmme. So clearly this ever important entertainment factor is placed on the playwright's clever use of style right? WRONG. Well, kinda. I think the entertainment factor here is the set. I'm not sure if that is what is being referred to as "style". From what I've read in the stage directions however, Ibsen loves to use particular detail in his stage directions and what the background looks like. I feel that it really is the highlighting factor of everything the characters are doing. Not Ibsen's literary style.
In conclusion, plot is more important in my opinion. But I will do a no-no and bring up a new point in my conclusion, I think the importance is perceptive. What I find important may be different to someone else.
hahahahahahah best journal I read. Very entertaining and nice job clearly expressing your opinions. I think the plot plays a big role in both plays, not just Oedipus. There is lots of foreshadowing, which I think is a big part of the plot and the audience loves that. I disagree with you and people can hear consonance. In fact, I can tell consonance better aloud than just reading it. But oh well, very humorous and delightful to read Mr. T.
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