Melodrama developed in the 17th century as a form of theatrical entertainment that used dramatic music and exaggerated acting to elicit strong emotions from the audience. Early melodramas often included songs, dances, and elaborate stage effects.
In the 19th century, melodrama became popular in other forms of entertainment, such as novels, short stories, and films. Melodramatic works typically feature a conflict between good and evil, with clear-cut heroes and villains. The heroes are usually virtuous and self-sacrificing, while the villains are ruthless and cunning. The plots often involve romance, adventure, and mystery.
Melodrama is often criticized for being unsophisticated and superficial, but it can also be quite entertaining. The genre continues to be popular today in movies, television shows, and soap operas.
Some of the most famous melodramas include:
* Romeo and Juliet (play by William Shakespeare, 1597)
* Lady Audley's Secret (novel by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, 1862)
* The Sorrows of Young Werther (novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1774)
* Gone with the Wind (novel by Margaret Mitchell, 1936)
* Casablanca (movie, 1942)
* Titanic (movie, 1997)