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MEISIE: Close the window! I'm not allowed to hear the music! Please! CONSTABLE: Just for a while - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 7 - 2024 - Paper 1
Question 7
MEISIE: Close the window! I'm not allowed to hear the music! Please! CONSTABLE: Just for a while. It lets in the night air. MEISIE: (Pressing her hands to her ears... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:MEISIE: Close the window! I'm not allowed to hear the music! Please! CONSTABLE: Just for a while - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 7 - 2024 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe to the actors what is happening in the scene in SOURCE L.
Answer
In this scene, MEISIE is experiencing overwhelming fear and distress due to loud music that she feels she is not permitted to hear. Her emotional turmoil is amplified by the CONSTABLE's attempts to control the situation. The action reveals a struggle between MEISIE's desire for freedom and the CONSTABLE's authoritative presence. The scene emphasizes MEISIE's physical reactions, such as pressing her hands to her ears and her body language that denotes submission and helplessness.
Step 2
Explain how dramatic tension is built in the scene in SOURCE L.
Answer
Dramatic tension is built through several elements in this scene. Initially, the CONSTABLE opens the window, which leads to an increase in sound that MEISIE finds unbearable. Her desperate pleas heighten the emotional stakes. As the CONSTABLE physically restrains her and moves closer, the tension escalates as it becomes clear that MEISIE is trapped in a situation beyond her control. The fluctuating dynamic between the characters creates suspense as the audience anticipates her response to the CONSTABLE's authority.
Step 3
Analyse how the actor playing Meisie might use the vocal skills of pace, inflection and volume to deliver her lines in SOURCE L.
Answer
The actor portraying MEISIE can employ a variety of vocal techniques to convey her emotional state. To reflect her urgency and desperation, she could use a rapid pace when shouting 'Close the window!' This urgency can be contrasted with slower, drawn-out speech when she is pleading, enhancing the fragility of her mental state. Inflection will be crucial; her tone might shift from high-pitched and frantic to flat and resigned as she feels more helpless. Volume should vary significantly, rising with anger and decreasing to a whisper as she becomes emotionally drained, connecting with the audience's empathy.
Step 4
Motivate your choice of blocking for the characters in SOURCE L.
Answer
Blocking choices should establish a clear relationship dynamic between MEISIE and the CONSTABLE. MEISIE should be depicted moving in a frantic manner; her attempts to escape or block the CONSTABLE should be evident. For the CONSTABLE, I would suggest dominating movement, such as standing tall and physically positioning himself to impede MEISIE's movements. This contrast will visually depict their power struggle and help convey the emotional tension. In physically closing the window or door, the CONSTABLE's actions should mirror his authoritative stance and reinforce MEISIE's feeling of entrapment.
Step 5
Explain to the actors why the actions, gestures or body language of the TWO actors in source M are appropriate for what happens.
Answer
The actions and gestures of both actors should reflect the heightened emotional context of the scene. MEISIE's hesitant movements and retreating postures signify her conflict and desperation, while her physical manipulation—such as placing her hands to her ears—adds to the portrayal of her distress. The CONSTABLE's actions, such as walking toward her or grabbing her gently but firmly, signify both his authority and his conflicting desire to protect her. These actions should blend with their body language, allowing the audience to grasp the underlying tensions without explicit dialogue.