ASCND dramatic Features And Techniques

Question 1

Aristotelian tragedy

Answer 1

A person of high birth has a harmatia which causes their downfall
Tragic hero isn’t in control of fate
Towards the end the characters powerful emotions are purged (catharsis)- order is restored and the guilty are punished

Question 2

Plastic theatre

Answer 2

Williams wanted to afford equal value to non literary and literary elements of stage production-
To gain a closer approach to the truth
Lighting
Colour 
Costume
Sound- (diegetic and non diegetic)
Music 
Expressionism 
Perspective/ reality

Question 3

Examples of plastic theatre

Answer 3

Polka tune- blanches feelings of guilt in respect to her husband
Varsouviana-
Paper moon- blanches fantasy at a crux where Stanley explores her reality
Blue piano- symbolises the spirit of New Orleans
Cat screeches- blanches state of nervousness and anxiety
Locomotives- power and modernism- unmask and destroy Blanche- for shadows her crash

Question 4

The 3 unities

Answer 4

Time place and action
Time- all within 24 hours (in ASCND the majority of action takes place in a day)
Place- same setting (apartment sets boundaries of privacy increasing claustrophobia)
Action- one action with minimal subplots (the apes will inherit)

Question 5

Symbolism

Answer 5

Certain nouns are representative of a bigger understanding or attitude
Eg:
Elysian Fields, New Orleans, the moth, belle reve and the characters names

Question 6

Naturalism, realism and method acting

Answer 6

All have features prominent in Williams play

Question 7

The use of stage direction

Answer 7

To enhance and emphasise abstract concepts of psychosis, setting atmosphere and expressionism

Question 8

Lighting

Answer 8

Blanche tries to avoid any direct light. Lighting is used mask features as well as her vanishing beauty. The paper lantern is a temporary measure but can easily be destroyed. Blanche lives and illusionary existence.

Question 9

Colour

Answer 9

Colour relates to key themes within the play. Blanche uses colour to romanticise the world. Pale colour suggest fragile mental state and strong colours represent her passions.