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By creating characters that express strong views, playwrights can heighten the drama in plays - Junior Cycle English - Question 8 - 2019
Question 8
By creating characters that express strong views, playwrights can heighten the drama in plays. (a) With reference to a Shakespearean or a non-Shakespearean play you... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:By creating characters that express strong views, playwrights can heighten the drama in plays - Junior Cycle English - Question 8 - 2019
Step 1
With reference to a Shakespearean or a non-Shakespearean play you have studied, outline a key moment when a character expresses a strong view and explain how this heightens the drama in the play.
Answer
One key moment can be found in Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible", where John Proctor passionately declares, "I am not an animal!" This moment reveals Proctor's internal struggle and strong moral convictions against the backdrop of the Salem witch trials.
His declaration heightens the drama by showcasing the intense conflict between individuality and societal pressure. The audience feels the weight of Proctor's anguish as he confronts falsehoods and the moral decay surrounding him. His strong view serves to create tension, evoke sympathy, and illustrate the larger themes of integrity and reputation throughout the play.
Step 2
If you were to stage the key moment you have chosen, explain two things you would do in order to heighten the dramatic experience for the audience.
Answer
To stage this moment effectively, two aspects would be essential:
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Sound and Lighting to Create Mood: I would use dim lighting to create a somber atmosphere, accompanied by a low, suspenseful musical score that builds tension as Proctor approaches his pivotal declaration. The effect would enhance the emotional weight of his words, drawing the audience deeper into his struggle.
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Gestures and Body Language: Proctor’s physical presence would be emphasized through deliberate movements, such as stepping forward to confront the audience directly, thereby breaking the fourth wall. This choice would personalize his suffering, making the audience feel complicit in the societal pressures he faces and deepening their connection to his plight.