Main Currents of Modern French Drama

"Main Currents of Modern French Drama" offers a comprehensive survey of the evolution of the French stage during one of its most innovative periods. Tracing the development of theatrical art from the late nineteenth century through the early decades of the twentieth, this work analyzes the shifts in style, subject matter, and philosophy that transformed French performance. The study explores the major movements-including realism, naturalism, and symbolism-and evaluates the influential playwrights who defined the era, such as Victorien Sardou, Edmond Rostand, and Maurice Maeterlinck.

By examining the social and artistic forces at play, the work provides a detailed look at how the French theater moved away from classical constraints to embrace more experimental and socially relevant themes. Hugh Allison Smith delves into the works of key figures who addressed the pressing moral and intellectual questions of the day through the medium of the stage. This critical guide serves as an essential resource for those interested in literary history, European drama, and the rich cultural heritage of the French theater. It remains a valuable exploration of the artistic trends and main currents that continue to influence modern dramatic literature and the global stage.

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