Summary

Plays are meant to be seen not read. Consequently, when we read them we must use slightly different reading strategies in order to make them function the way they are intended to function. These strategies include:

Paying close attention to set descriptions.

Looking closely at the directions indicating what actors should do (actions, gestures, etc.)

Noting any significant scenery--including costumes, furnishings, and other objects.

And, in general, trying to visualize the scene as it would appear in a theatrical production.

Plays are written to appeal to audiences. One way the playwright tries to create that appeal is through the play's structure. There are a number of different ways to explain dramatic structure, but the bottom line is that the playwright tries to capture and hold the attention of his/her audience.
Conflict is the heart of all narrative structures, including drama. Conflict involves a protagonist's efforts to overcome internal and external obstacles (the antagonists) in the pursuit of some tangible or intangible goal.
All serious works of literature involve ideas. These ideas are often called "themes." The theme of a literary work is its dominant idea, the idea that seems to be at the "center" of the work. Works may have more than a single theme. And themes are never lessons, or moral directives (at least, not in serious literature.) Serious writers describe life; they do not tell us how to live it.

This module was intended to enhance your appreciation of drama. We hope that you will want to attend some actual performances . . . and we don't really expect you to go home afterwards to analyze the structure and identify the major themes. Being aware of these elements, however, should enhance your enjoyment and understanding of plays.

Suggested Writing Assignments

Resources

Credits:

The graphics used in this module come from the following sites: Business ClipArt & Photos / The Clip Art Universe / Badger's Animated Gif Gallery

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