Research On The Uniqueness Of Susanne K. Langer's Drama Theory

Susanne K. Langer was a famous female philosopher in the 20^th century in America. Her aesthetic thoughts was rich and deep, her viewpoints were distinct and original. Therefore, her aesthetic thought had an important position in the western aesthetic history.The paper includes three parts:Preface, the first part, is to introduce Susanne K. Langer's biography, works, thoughts and present studies, and to introduce Langer's whole aesthetic system in detail as well as her thoughts of the philosophy of art. Because of the drama theory is based on these, only to have an overall understanding of her aesthetic thoughts, and we can get a further understanding of the drama theory.The main text divides into three chapters.In chapter one, it is to inspect the academic and research background around Susanne K. Langer. Based on the retrospection and analysis of the background of the western drama theory, and including the specific period of the characteristics of drama theory. It is to clarify deeply the theoretical background around Susanne K. Langer and related theoretical research. These will help to lay stress on the key points about the unique characteristics. Drama is always associated with the development of other cultural components of development accompanied by, It has been influenced by politics, economy, philosophy, and literature. Therefore, different historical backgrounds and cultural environment, the research focus will be different. Drama theory has also shown a certain distinctive characteristics. Susanne Langer's aesthetic theory appears that the strict system, to absorb the Natural Sciences, Physiology and other disciplines of research results, as well as given a certain impact to her drama theory.In chapter two, based on the others' hard efforts for finding out the essence of drama, in order to illustrate Langer's thinking and answers about the question "what is drama?" Susanne Langer infuse her theory into the framework of the whole philosophy, to give a rich connotation of the new drama based on a macro perspective. Compared to the predecessors scholars to explore "the imitation theory", "the audience theory," "the conflict theory", etc. Susanne Langer is regarded drama as a kind of illusory history, the art of poetry, and to expanded exploring the issue of the drama of the new research point of view and vision.In chapter three, the main idea is about discussing the uniqueness of Susanne Langer's drama rhythm theories. Susanne Langer think it is worthwhile talking about the tragedy rhythm and comedy rhythm, not the tragedy and the comedy. Biological knowledge is integrated into her drama theories by Susanne Langer , for revealing the art forms and life forms have similar logic. However, Susanne Langer's drama theories is not rigidly adhere to this, she also added an idea that is humanistic and affective, and reflecting the concern for human life. All these made her drama rhythm theory full of the glory of life. In this part, Susanne Langer also affirmed the importance of Symbol to her drama theories.In the conclusion, the author summarizes and criticizes Susanne Langer's drama theory in briefly.