The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1883-10-18
FROM GRAVE TO GAY IN LITERAL URE
AND THE DRAMA.

In a few lines in these columns, short
while since, we referred to the literary
scheme by several humorists OF London to
burlesque the tragedies Of SHAKESPEARE as
an indication OF the growing intellectual
tastes Of the age for something light and
airy. rather than solid or lugubrious, and
daily other illustrations OF the fact are
occurring that the demand for fun and
pleasantly, for the lighter and airier devel-
opments of literature, is taking the place OF
the mora cultivated and philosophical, the
more tragic tastes, so 10 speak, Of few
years ago. Many are alarmed and aRgrieved
that such sentiment fosters and develops
such a literature Of humor and
burlesque. breaking the classic
idols OF the past and tending
towards The destruction OF oil ambition TO
move In deeper channels. Fears ara en-
tertained that our literary characters OF
the not distantly removed future may par
take more Of the character and attachments
OF the clown than OF the philosopsr or care
ful abserver and analyst Of human nature
and faithful painter OF natural scenes. II
IL question after all, however, II the ton
dency is no. good one. Life, and moro
and more 90, year by year presents
enough OF sorrow 10 closd the brow and
weigh down the spirits OF the stoutest
hearted and to lead the mind from the dis
agreeable struggles with social and political
conditions, the hard scenes and harder
struggles OF everyday existence is an object
not 10 be moderated In importance or
fought down. 1.-THE current literature and
dramatic representations Of the day can be
diverted towards making the multitude
laugh and forget their sorrows and strug-
giles, IL is q question whether such Ia
Dor is not as beneficial 10 humanity
after all rs the admitted classics
and choicest productions Of the sge
in the higher walks Of literature and art.
Too much Of the common literature Of
tentimes, and too many dramatic repre-
ssntstions are Of the lugubrious character.
dark limned pictures Of the dark features
1f life. leaving q feeling Of besviness and
d dissatisfaction within the mind Of the
-esder, fresh from the perussl Of the one or
he spectator from the exhibition Of the
,tner. In The widespread dissatisfaction
q these times with the prevailing
md changing conditions Of sOcisty and
he great struggles OF the lsboring and
,oorer clsssss 10 keep no and obtain
les comforts in the busy rush Of
vents. thousands are growing hssrt-sick
ally and cropping out Of The rtuks. msuy-
skinr their own lives and many Others
,eing pushed out Of The fhr0ns and len By
be vsysids. The tsstss and feelings Of The
multitude are growing morbidly sensitive.
Isros. gloomy and he bitisr protests
r.inn wrong and injustice furnished
urourh ne medium of hundreds Of popu
y poems and novels and scores q popular
Ifys where 10 impress TIE lesson fhs !
.sr.ctsrs and events IN illustration ass
'pscl.Ily wildly and mortidly
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