2017年6月英语四级作文万能范文：戏剧的起源

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　　2017年6月英语四级作文万能范文：戏剧的起源
        　　The Beginning of Drama
        　　参考范文：
        　　There are many theories about the beginning of drama in ancient Greece. The
on most widelyaccepted today is based on the assumption thatdrama evolved from
ritual. The argument for thisview goes as follows. In the beginning, human
beingsviewed the natural forces of the world-even theseasonal changes-as
unpredictable, and theysought through various means to control theseunknown and
feared powers. Those measureswhich appeared to bring the desired results
werethen retained and repeated until they hardened into fixed rituals.
        　　Eventually stories arose which explained or veiled the mysteries of the
rites. As time passedsome rituals were abandoned, but the stories, later called
myths, persisted and providedmaterial for art and drama. Those who believe that
drama evolved out of ritual also argue thatthose rites contained the seed of
theater because music, dance, masks, and costumes werealmost always used,
Furthermore, a suitable site had to be provided for performances andwhen the
entire community did not participate, a clear division was usually made between
the"acting area" and the "auditorium." In addition, there were performers, and,
sinceconsiderable importance was attached to avoiding mistakes in the enactment
of rites,religious leaders usually assumed that task. Wearing masks and
costumes, they oftenimpersonated other people, animals, or supernatural beings,
and mimed the desired effect-success in hunt or battle, the coming rain, the
revival of the Sun-as an actor might. Eventuallysuch dramatic representations
were separated from religious activities.
        　　Another theory traces the theater's origin from the human interest in
storytelling. Accordingto this vies tales (about the hunt, war, or other feats)
are gradually elaborated, at first throughthe use of impersonation, action, and
dialogue by a narrator and then through theassumption of each of the roles by a
different person. A closely related theory traces theaterto those dances that
are primarily rhythmical and gymnastic or that are imitations of animalmovements
and sounds.