Drama and Literature Overview

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Questions and Answers

What do the traditional masks of drama represent?

Acting techniques

Character development

High and low comedy

Comedy and tragedy (correct)

What defines a tragic hero in dramatic literature?

They are typically invulnerable to conflict.

They possess heroic qualities that lead to a downfall. (correct)

They have a perfect moral compass.

They always succeed in their endeavors.

Which of the following is NOT a conflict type in drama?

Person versus himself/herself

Person versus technology (correct)

Person versus God/universe

Person versus group/society

Which structure in a play refers to the division of scenes?

Acts Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of rising action in a drama?

To build tension and develop the conflict Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes high comedy from low comedy?

High comedy often involves complex themes; low is more straightforward. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'in medias res' in the context of drama?

Starting the narrative in the middle of the action. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of characters in a play?

They should be fully developed and relatable. Signup and view all the answers

What literary device involves addressing an object as if it were a real person?

Apostrophe Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using hyperbole in literature?

To convey humor through exaggeration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an oxymoron?

A phrase where contradictory terms appear together Signup and view all the answers

What type of irony occurs when the audience knows more than the characters?

Dramatic irony Signup and view all the answers

Which literary device involves recurring sounds at the beginning of closely arranged words?

Alliteration Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a euphemism?

Using an inoffensive term to replace a harsh one Signup and view all the answers

How do men and women typically react to certain issues and events?

Their reactions are influenced by different factors. Signup and view all the answers

What does the literary term 'climax' refer to?

The arrangement of words by importance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an allusion in literature?

To reference significant events or figures Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about how people in different social classes communicate?

The middle class speaks a different language from the poor. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided in dialogue writing to maintain authenticity?

Using trite clichés. Signup and view all the answers

In dialogue, how should characters typically interact?

By alternating remarks and occasionally interrupting. Signup and view all the answers

What role does dramatic action play in a play?

It defines whether characters are static or developing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a simile in literature?

It uses 'like' or 'as' for comparison. Signup and view all the answers

How does one distinguish metaphor from simile?

A metaphor is a direct comparison, while a simile is an implied comparison. Signup and view all the answers

How should a play's theme be conveyed to the audience?

Through a series of events in the play. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tragedy

The traditional symbol of tragedy is a sad mask.
The tragic hero is fallible and their downfall is a result of their choices.

Comedy

The word comedy comes from the Greek "komos," meaning a revel or celebration.
Comedy is divided into "high" and "low" varieties.
A regular comedy is a play of one to five acts.
Plays are a genre of literature designed to be performed on stage.

Plot and Drama Structure

The dramatic structure of a play refers to the plot.
Plays are divided into acts.
The plot revolves around a conflict: person versus self, another person, group, nature, or God/universe.
The play's action and tension are built up to create an impact on the audience.
The introduction can begin with the conflict immediately, called "in medias res."
Hints of an impending conflict can be provided in the introduction.

Rising Action or Complication

The rising action is the series of events that lead to the climax.

Turning Point, Climax, Crisis

The turning point is the moment when the protagonist's fate is sealed.

Falling Action

The falling action is the series of events that occur after the climax.

Denouement or Resolution

The denouement is the final outcome of the play.

Tone in Drama

The writer establishes the tone of a play through the use of language and character revelation.

Key Concepts

Theme: The central idea or message of the play.
Conflict: The central struggle in the play.
Suspense: The feeling of anticipation and excitement created by the playwright.

Characters

Characters must be well-developed and realistic.
Characters should be portrayed authentically based on factors like gender, social class, age, education, marital status, occupation, and political beliefs.

Dialogue

Dialogue is the primary component of a play.
Dialogue should be realistic and reflect natural speech patterns.
Avoid clichés, excessive use of character names, and long uninterrupted speeches.
Theme should be conveyed through the events of the play, not through dialogue.

Dramatic Action

Dramatic action defines a character's development from static to changing.

Figures of Speech and Imagery

Simile: A comparison using "like" or "as."
Metaphor: An implied comparison.
Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
Apostrophe: Addressing objects as if they were real.
Hyperbole: Exaggeration for effect or humor.
Oxymoron: Combining two contradictory words.
Irony:
- Verbal: Saying the opposite of what is meant.
- Situational: The opposite of what is expected happening.
- Dramatic: The audience knows more than the characters.
Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds.
Onomatopoeia: Words that sound like what they describe.
Metonymy: Substituting a word for another that signifies the same thing.
Synecdoche: Using a part to represent the whole.
Periphrasis: Using a descriptive phrase instead of a noun.
Euphemism: Using a less offensive word for a harsh one.
Climax: Arrangement of words or ideas in order of increasing importance.
Anti-Climax: A decrease in importance of what is said, opposite to the climax.
Antithesis: Balancing two opposing ideas.
Pun: A play on words with humorous effect.
Allusion: Reference to a literary, biblical, socio-political, scientific, or mythological event or character.
Paradox: A contradictory yet true statement.
Assonance: Repetition of initial vowel sounds.
Anaphora: Repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of clauses or sentences.
Visual: Creating a picture in words, something visualizable.
Auditory: Creating sounds in the reader's mind.
Olfactory: Creating smells in the reader's mind.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of tragedy and comedy within drama, including the structure and components of plays. Understand how the plot and rising action contribute to the overall impact of theatrical works. This quiz covers essential terms and definitions to enhance your knowledge of dramatic literature.