Narratives are tremendously powerful tools that are used to achieve a number of objectives. By enabling speakers to frame their facts in a particular fashion, narratives allow for complex and engaging conversations. Melodrama and comedy are among the elements of conversation that can be linked to narratives. These elements imbue human conversation which heightened interest, color and life. However, it is important for individuals to exercise caution as they use narratives for melodramatic and comic purposes. There are certain situations where the pursuit of these purposes is appropriate and acceptable.
Steven Schwarze (2006) and Riika Kuusisto (2009) are among the scholars who have explored the uses of narratives. Whereas Schwarze explores the role of narratives in melodrama, Kuusisto focuses his attention on the application of narratives in comedy. Schwarze presents melodrama as a communication device that allows speakers to appeal to the emotions of audiences by highlighting highly controversial and critical subjects like environmental degradation. According to Schwarze (2006), narratives should only be used when there is a need to shield the public against controversies that can have damaging impacts. Basically, Schwarze suggests that narratives are an essential weapon in the fight against misinformation and to provide the public with accurate and reliable information. In his essay, Schwarze presents environmental discussion as one of the discourses that are defined by controversies and misinformation. Using narratives for melodramatic effect, speakers are able to ensure clarity in the discussion of such issues as the need for environmental conservation.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Schwarze’s article is rather extensive as it identifies various situations that necessitate and justify the use of narratives for melodrama. In addition to situations where there is a need to protect the public against controversies and misinformation, the use of melodrama in narratives is also appropriate when one wishes to enhance the quality of human life and tackle theories which pose a threat to human happiness. Essentially, Schwarze licenses the use of melodrama when one needs to sensitize their audience on an important issue which is related to human happiness and satisfaction. As already noted, environmental conservation is the primary focus of his essay. The environment plays an essential role in shaping human experiences. As it suffers damage, the future of mankind and its happiness is threatened. The stakes are simply so high that the use of melodrama becomes acceptable. Melodrama can also be used to call for action on an issue that is as critical to human life as the environment.
On his part, Kuusisto examines the place of comedy in narratives. He adopts a rather interesting definition of comedy. According to Kuusisto, comedy is a tool that allows narratives to trivialize serious conflicts by presenting differences between parties as minor and nearly insignificant. Furthermore, comedy simplifies conflicts as “disputes”. Essentially, using comedy, one is able to deconstruct and simplify major violent conflicts. In his essay, Kuusisto identifies one instance where the use of comedy in narratives is acceptable: conflict resolution. His essay targets Western leaders who are charged with the responsibility of pursuing and maintaining global stability. To fulfill this mandate, Kuusisto advises that they should adopt comedy in their negotiation approaches. He assures these leaders that comedy will enable them to experiment with new ideas and abandon approaches that have proven ineffective. What is evident from Kuusisto’s essay is that in most cases, comedy is not used properly and that if one is able to, they should avoid applying it. It should only be applied when one is confronted with a serious crisis which can only be solved through delicate negotiation.
In conclusion, Kuusisto and Schwarze tackle critical issues in their respective essays. As one reads Kuusisto’s essay, they are able to recognize the impact that comedy has on conflict resolution. On the other hand, Schwarze’s essay challenges individuals to understand that discussions on environmental conservation can benefit from the application of melodrama. While reading these essays, I was prompted to reflect on how framing an issue in a particular way promotes bias and allows an individual to hide or omit certain issues. I understand that such framing hampers objective and balanced discussion. As a communication professional, I intend to adopt various strategies as I seek to frame my communication in a fair and balanced way. Giving special focus to ideas with which I disagree will be my main strategy. I believe that as I adopt this strategy, I will be able to remain balanced and comprehensive in my framing of issues.
References
Kuusisto, R. (2009). Comic plots as conflict resolution strategy. European Journal of International Relations, 15 (4), 601-26.
Schwarze, S. (2006). Environmental melodrama. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 92 (3), 239-61.
