drama overview plays

/in /by

Objectives:

1. Apply elements of analyzing the message in a piece of drama.
2. Create a thesis statement to focus the paper.
3. Apply elements of works cited formatting.
4. Apply the elements of characterization to a piece of drama.
5. Create a characterization of one of the main characters in a play.

Develop three essays to respond to questions listed in the assignment.

Take the time to read the plays more slowly, noting the author’s notes and asides that set the scenes and indicate the actors’ movements. Let the play unfold in your mind’s eye.

STEP 1: READ:

  • ELEMENTS OF PLAYS
  • Ch. 17 “Reading and writing about Plays” (pp. 431-440)
  • Types of plays, pp. 431
  • Elements of Drama, pp. 433
  • Organizing an analysis of character, pp. 437
  • Checklist: Getting Ideas for Writing Arguments about plays, p. 440

STEP 2: READ:

  • “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell, p. 443
  • “Sure Thing” by David Ives, p. 453
  • “Andre’s Mother” by Terrence McNally, p. 737

STEP 3: WRITE: COMPLETE

  • 1. A character analysis of Mrs. Wright based on the guidance offered on pp. 440-441 and in response to question #4 (p. 453). Use citations and back up your opinions with evidence. Include drafts and a works cited page for the play. Include in-text citations for material you quote from the play.
  • 2. After reading “Sure Thing” answer either question 1 or 3 on p. 461. Include in-text citations for material you quote from the play.
  • 3. After reading “Andre’s Mother” answer #1 or #3 on p. 739. Include in-text citations for the material you quote from the play.

additional:

These three plays are about love. Is love constant? Do you think it is possible to love many people? Or is love so special that it can only be felt for a few people? Would you go further and say that love—real love, love in the deepest sense—can in truth only be felt for one person in your life? Identify two or three points to discuss in your posting.