Drama and Handsome Captain
Coursework Essay: Examine at least THREE dramatic devices used by any TWO playwrights studied in the course and discuss their effectiveness in terms of audience response and/or plot development.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (n.pag.), drama can be defined as, “a composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance.” In the two plays that I have selected, drama is definitely a depiction of life. The Ritual by Zeno Obi Constance and Your Handsome Captain by Simone Schwarz-Bart are two of the most phenomenal Caribbean performances that have been composed. They both incorporate evidence of Caribbean background and hold a certain level of credibility for situations that occur in present day society. While perusing these plays, I recognized that they both shared a number of commonalities. Some of the most evident similarities included the dramatic techniques; language, stage directions and recurring imagery.
In the play, The Ritual, Constance utilizes language to make a connection with the Caribbean readers and allow them to fully comprehend the message that he is attempting to address, in their own society. It is the claim that Constance remains true to the old speech values of the Caribbean which is in relation to the last bastion of linguistic innovation known as the Calypso. Trinidad English Creole is utilized by the playwright to relate to the themes of anguish and struggle which creates an emotional unity between the audience and the actors. A quote that stood out throughout the play as a form of “branding” or labeling was, “all them little women in them school is whore” (Constance, 8). This was lamented by Omega’s mother who was very small-minded and was partially responsible for Omega’s downfall. The language employed
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (n.pag.), drama can be defined as, “a composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance.” In the two plays that I have selected, drama is definitely a depiction of life. The Ritual by Zeno Obi Constance and Your Handsome Captain by Simone Schwarz-Bart are two of the most phenomenal Caribbean performances that have been composed. They both incorporate evidence of Caribbean background and hold a certain level of credibility for situations that occur in present day society. While perusing these plays, I recognized that they both shared a number of commonalities. Some of the most evident similarities included the dramatic techniques; language, stage directions and recurring imagery.
In the play, The Ritual, Constance utilizes language to make a connection with the Caribbean readers and allow them to fully comprehend the message that he is attempting to address, in their own society. It is the claim that Constance remains true to the old speech values of the Caribbean which is in relation to the last bastion of linguistic innovation known as the Calypso. Trinidad English Creole is utilized by the playwright to relate to the themes of anguish and struggle which creates an emotional unity between the audience and the actors. A quote that stood out throughout the play as a form of “branding” or labeling was, “all them little women in them school is whore” (Constance, 8). This was lamented by Omega’s mother who was very small-minded and was partially responsible for Omega’s downfall. The language employed