Forum login

Not registered? Sign-up here it's free.

External links

• NCEA on TKI
• NZQA website

3.2 Respond critically to written text(s) studied

Non-Shakespearean drama

Drama is an ancient form of entertainment and storytelling used to show the strengths and weaknesses of human nature. If possible try and see a live performance of your text so you can consider the effectiveness of the production techniques and theatrical qualities used to present the literary aspects such as characters, conflict, and themes. Drama is crafted so that every element works together on a visual and oral level to present and support the writer's ideas in an interesting and appropriate way.

A technique such as dramatic irony is an effective plot device with high impact. The audience feels rising tension because they can see all the action in the play and have full knowledge of what is going on, unlike the main character who cannot see and hear everything in the play. Techniques such as soliloquy, asides, and monologues – are used to reveal a character's true thoughts, feelings, and motivations. For definitions go to list of terms William Shakespeare and click on the appropriate words.

In addition to all the major aspects of literature, examination questions may ask you to focus on the characteristics of the drama genre, theme, conflict, and character and how they are presented and related to other aspects of literature, or how techniques such as language or structure have been used to present ideas convincingly in the text.

For general help see Unseen drama.

For help with a specific play see:

• Bibliomania and search for your play here.
• A Streetcar Named Desire

Some of these links for the play The Crucible may give you ideas for the study of your own play:

• Background and about the author
• Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible" listen to readings of the play
• Understanding characters and their conflicts
• Exploring the Language
• The language of The Crucible to look at language in detail
• Themes

Back to top