Jerusalem: genre

Genre Characteristics of Jerusalem

Jerusalem is an example of Modern Drama, which frequently utilises elements of reality mixed with alternate perceptions of reality.
The play incorporates elements of fantasy and realism, making it a form of magic realism. It blends everyday, believable settings with the mystical and mythical.
Comedy and Tragedy: Jez Butterworth uses elements of both genres in the play. The main protagonist Johnny Byron is a clownish figure who makes us laugh but he also carries a tragic dimension.
It integrates folklore and contemporary life, incorporating mythic stories into the daily lives of the characters.

Naturalistic language and setting: The language and setting are recognizably British, helping it to convey a sense of realism. The accuracy of the rural Wiltshire dialect, the landscape descriptions and detail about trailer park life grounds the drama in a recognisable day-to-day reality.
Detailed, complex characters: Each character in the play has their own personal attributes, habits, backgrounds, and motives that make them multi-dimensional and real, further enhancing the play’s realism.

Incorporation of Myth: Butterworth weaves English myth and local folklore into the lives of the characters, the setting and the storyline, adding a fantastical layer to the otherwise realistic events.
Alternative perceptions of reality: The character Johnny Byron has the fantastical ability to converse with giants and drummers, hinting at an alternative, mythical reality.
Ambiguity: Butterworth leaves many questions unanswered, such as whether Johnny is in fact a mythic figure or just a fanciful storyteller. This uncertain suspension between real and unreal is characteristic of magic realism.

Humour through language and characterization: Characters such as Ginger and Johnny are sources of comedy through their dialogues and actions. Lively exchanges, comic timing and humorous observations can often be found throughout the play.
The tragic elements in “Jerusalem” are most apparent in the character of Johnny Byron, who despite his flaws and failures seeks acceptance, dignity and a sense of belonging. His eventual downfall follows the classic format of a tragic hero narrative.