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Mullins, Rebecca ENG161 Introduction to Literature: Drama

To understand it:   No Stage Direction Careless

Sources:

Dramas are plays with dialogue surrounded by stage direction, where the visual representation can influence the impact of the written word.

Cover art for the drama The Kentucky Cycle. Images from the Great Depression and impoverished children are shown in a green background with superimposed black test.     The cover art for Wicked, a Broadway musical, whos dramatic retelling was originally published by Gregory Maguire.

When reading drama,

  • consider stage direction as part of the interpretation, but not part of the dialogue
  • consider set dressing, style, or setting as part of the interpretation

The play, set in ancient Roman war, is often modernized as its themes reflect war versus peace, ambition versus humility.  Dramatists have used the same text to set it during sixteenth century Wars of the Roses, nineteenth century imperial Britain, World War II, and (here) modern-day Britain.