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Scope Note:

Fictional work emphasizing emotional vicissitudes and tragic occurrences, traditionally presented in an overwrought manner. The plot usually concerns victimized or suffering protagonists and a mixture of difficulties among lovers, family, friends, or the community. The story typically encompasses both familial and romantic themes. Note: Narratives concentrating on a single family unit should use Family; those emphasizing a single couple should use Romance; and those chronicling primarily a single female character should use Women, or Fallen woman or Maternal melodrama. For a Melodrama that is a television series, in most cases Soap opera is the most appropriate term. Do not use Melodrama when that element is merely one among many assorted subplots. Feature examples: BROKEN BLOSSOMS; FLAMINGO ROAD; GIANT (with Adaptation); GRAND HOTEL; GREEN DOLPHIN STREET (with Historical; Adaptation); IMITATION OF LIFE (with Family; Women); THE JOY LUCK CLUB (with Historical; Adaptation); KINGS ROW (with Adaptation); PEYTON PLACE (with Adaptation); STEEL MAGNOLIAS; THE SUN ALSO RISES (with Adaptation; Romance); TENDER IS THE NIGHT (with Adaptation; Romance); TERMS OF ENDEARMENT; THIS HAPPY BREED (with Historical); WAY DOWN EAST (with Adaptation); WRITTEN ON THE WIND.

Subject Categories: