Supplication: Georg Polti Plots or Storylines - The 36 Dramatic or Tragic Situations
Abstract
Little use is made of this situation in modern theatre. Yet it can be used to explore the vicissitudes of power (arbitral, tyrannical, overthrown), the superstitions which may accompany doubt and indecision, the sudden turns of popular opinion and the anxiety of waiting, despair and blasphemy, hope hanging on to the last, the blind brutality of fate. If you have been intending to start that novel or screenplay but felt short of ideas, here is the Wise Women’s synopsis of plot to give you a few ideas. May the Goddess inspire you. Saviour Shirlie.
And the Son of God died, it is by all means to be believed, because it is absurd. And he was buried and rose again, the fact is certain because it is impossible.
Little use is made of this situation in modern theatre. Yet it can be used to explore the vicissitudes of power (arbitral, tyrannical, overthrown), the superstitions which may accompany doubt and indecision, the sudden turns of popular opinion and the anxiety of waiting, despair and blasphemy, hope hanging on to the last, the blind brutality of fate.
Elements
A persecutor—One or many, voluntary or unconscious, greedy or revengeful, spreading the subtle network of diplomacy, or revealing himself beneath formidable pomp of the greatest contemporary powers.
A suppliant—Artless or eloquent, virtuous or guilty, humble or great.
A power in authority—Neutral or partial to one side or the other, perhaps inferior in strength to the persecutor; surrounded by his own kindred who fear danger; perhaps deceived by a semblence of right or justice; perhaps obliged to sacrifice a high ideal; sometimes severely logical, sometimes emotionally susceptible, or even overcome by a Dostoevsky-like conversion, and as a final thunderbolt abandoning the errors which he believes to be the truth, if not indeed the truth which he believed to be error!
An intercessor (sometimes)
Themes
The power is a person—Should he yield to the menaces of the persecutor or the appeal of the persecuted?
Fugitives…imploring the powerful for help against their enemies. King John, Shakespeare
Assistance…implored for the performance of a pious duty which has been forbidden.
Appeals…for a refuge in which to die
The persecutor and power are the same—Shall anger or pity determine his course
Hospitality besought by the shipwrecked
Charity entreated by those cast off by their own people, whom they have disgraced
Some of the witticisms of John Wilkes, the English liberal and supporter of US independence, have become everyday expressions. At a party, he was offered a pinch of snuff, but refused, saying, “I have no minor vices”. Thousands of US children were later named after him.
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