Dramatic practice

Dimensions and DevicesDimensions and Devices

Dramatic ironyDramatic irony

Mistaken identityMistaken identity

PathosPathos

SentimentalismSentimentalism

CynicismCynicism

DenouementDenouement

ParodyParody

ReversalReversal

ImageryImagery

DidacticismDidacticism

Domestic tragedyDomestic tragedy

Blank verseBlank verse

Dramatic ironyDramatic irony

Often in a play we have a situation inwhich the character does not fullyunderstand the significance of his actionsor statements.Often in a play we have a situation inwhich the character does not fullyunderstand the significance of his actionsor statements.

The character’s actions have a relevanceto him which he does not perceive, andwhen this happens we describe thesituation as one of dramatic irony.The character’s actions have a relevanceto him which he does not perceive, andwhen this happens we describe thesituation as one of dramatic irony.

Mistaken identityMistaken identity

One specialized kind of irony is that ofmistaken identity. Some plays in fact haveplots entirely dependent on the device ofmistaken identity.One specialized kind of irony is that ofmistaken identity. Some plays in fact haveplots entirely dependent on the device ofmistaken identity.

In this situation. Some of the characters onthe stage are simply unaware of theidentity of other characters while audienceknows who everybody is.In this situation. Some of the characters onthe stage are simply unaware of theidentity of other characters while audienceknows who everybody is.

PathosPathos

Pathos in drama, and in other literaryforms, as well, is the quality which movesthe audience to pity, tenderness, orsorrow.Pathos in drama, and in other literaryforms, as well, is the quality which movesthe audience to pity, tenderness, orsorrow.

Usually we observe pathos in situationswhere there is a helpless character, onewho suffers because of undeservedsadness.Usually we observe pathos in situationswhere there is a helpless character, onewho suffers because of undeservedsadness.

Sentimentalism and cynicismSentimentalism and cynicism

When a playwright tries to produce orreflect an overabundance of emotion, he isusually creating a situation of“sentimentalism”.When a playwright tries to produce orreflect an overabundance of emotion, he isusually creating a situation of“sentimentalism”.

Cynicism is basically an attitude ofsuperiority; an individual sets himselfabove his society and considers himself offar greater value.Cynicism is basically an attitude ofsuperiority; an individual sets himselfabove his society and considers himself offar greater value.

Denouement and parodyDenouement and parody

The final revelation of a play is usuallyreferred to as the denouement; this is botha necessity and a device in almost allplays.The final revelation of a play is usuallyreferred to as the denouement; this is botha necessity and a device in almost allplays.

Quite often a playwright will write a playwhich is an obvious burlesque of anotherplay, usually of a serious nature; thisburlesque is known as a parody.Quite often a playwright will write a playwhich is an obvious burlesque of anotherplay, usually of a serious nature; thisburlesque is known as a parody.

Reversal and imageryReversal and imagery

Reversal is the term we use to describe thedramatic turning point in the fortune of the play’shero; reversal is the exact point in the plot whensuddenly the hero is directed toward a differentfate, toward a fate which up until this exact pointin the play he had no idea was in the store forhim; also known as peripetyReversal is the term we use to describe thedramatic turning point in the fortune of the play’shero; reversal is the exact point in the plot whensuddenly the hero is directed toward a differentfate, toward a fate which up until this exact pointin the play he had no idea was in the store forhim; also known as peripety

Imagery: As we have noted in our discussion ofcertain plays, imagery is apt to be central to ourunderstanding of the meaning of a play. (forexample: simile, metaphor)Imagery: As we have noted in our discussion ofcertain plays, imagery is apt to be central to ourunderstanding of the meaning of a play. (forexample: simile, metaphor)

DidacticismDidacticism

When a playwright is consciously“lecturing” to us on certain moralprinciples—and generally the superiority ofmoral good– he is usually didactic. Theyhave some lessons to teach us throughthe speech and action of the charactersWhen a playwright is consciously“lecturing” to us on certain moralprinciples—and generally the superiority ofmoral good– he is usually didactic. Theyhave some lessons to teach us throughthe speech and action of the characters

Domestic tragedy and blank verseDomestic tragedy and blank verse

The appearance of certain tragedies whichare based on the lives of common,ordinary people and are generally calledDomestic tragedies.The appearance of certain tragedies whichare based on the lives of common,ordinary people and are generally calledDomestic tragedies.

Blank verse: The lines in most of thespeeches are unrhymed and contain tensyllables alternating unstressed andstressed ones.Blank verse: The lines in most of thespeeches are unrhymed and contain tensyllables alternating unstressed andstressed ones.