When you think about a play, you probably think about going to watch the drama being acted out upon the stage, but plays were originally written down by the playwright. The verbal aspect of a play is very important, but you can also enjoy reading it. Here's how to read and enjoy a play. Study the drama; and decipher the treasures in the lines. Read on.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- Look at the title. What do you think the title says about the play?
- Is the play funny or tragic? Can you tell what the genre is: comedy, tragedy, romance, etc.? Based on the genre, does the play end the way it's supposed to?
- Look at the setting. Does it seem appropriate? How does the setting affect the overall feel of the play?
- If there are parts of the play that you don't understand, read the lines aloud. Visualize what the lines would sound like/what an actor would look like speaking the lines.
- Summarize the plot of the play. What are the basic plot points? How does the action build up to the climax of the play?
- Describe each character. Who are they? How are they related? Are they flat or round, static or dynamic?
- Look at the stage direction. How detailed is the staging? Do the directions give you a sense of what the play is about and what is happening?
- Read the introduction before and after you read the play. I you have a critical edition of the play, also read the essays about the play. If no essays or commentary is included in your edition, consider purchasing a book (or checking one out of the library) that discusses the critical theory/analytical dimension of the drama.
- Look at the historical background of the play. What famous works of literature influenced the play you are reading? How did this play inspire or influence later works.
- What is the theme (message, moral or idea) of the play?
