Pace & Rhythm - Ib English a Hl Paper 2

In dramatic construction there must be variation of pace and rhythm, monotony of any kind being certain to induce boredom. Comparing at least two plays you have studied in the light of this statement, show how variations of pace and rhythm have been used to attract of heighten the interest of the audience.
Within Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire and Arthur Miller s The Crucible variations of pace and rhythm are utilized in order to attract or heighten the attention of the audience. However, in order to determine the manner in which variations of pace and rhythm affect the audience interruptions to routines, the juxtaposition of calm and hysteria, the use of pace to reflect tension and the way in which structure influences the interest of the audience need to be taken into consideration. It is apparent that within both The Crucible and A Streetcar Named Desire variations of rhythm occur through disruptions to routines, thus evoking an emotional reaction from the audience. Throughout A Streetcar Named Desire Williams employs the character of Blanche as a disruptive element which serves to increase the pace and rhythm of the play. Blanche s initial appearance is described as incongruous to the setting as she is daintily dressed in a white suit with a fluffy bodice, necklace and earrings of pearl, white gloves and hat. Her entrance is seen to disrupt the friendly atmosphere and the presences of the dashes in phrases such as This can this be her home? indicate her disbelief and somewhat superior manner thus, in turn, evoking a reaction of immediate dislike from the audience. Furthermore, Blanche s revelation that she lost Belle Reve serves to quicken the pace thereby indicating a change in the rhythm of the play. As a result of Blanche s statement, Stella states, Belle Reve? Lost, is it? No! The presence of the rhetorical questions as well as the exclamation marks and short monosyllabic phrases serves to significantly increase the pace and therefore the