Drama Knowledge Builder

Question 1

Hubris Meaning

Answer 1

Excessive pride, arrogance or confidence, to the point where someone is being overly defiant towards someone

Question 2

Mirroring Meaning

Answer 2

Technique of reflecting certain aspects of a character, theme, setting or situation, it is used to create deeper meanings or strengthen themes.
Example of character mirroring: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde- One side of him choses good while the other chooses evil representing the dual nature of humanity
Setting mirroring: The setting reflects the emotions and inner state of a certain character- A storm could mean an emotional turmoil

Question 3

Alienation

Answer 3

it is the sense of seperation from someone’s self, society or world, they don’t feel like they belong and they cant meet the expectations of the environment. It is often used to explore a character’s emotional or phycological state.
E.g. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Dr. Jekyll experiences self-alienation and feels divided

Question 4

Micro- Level

Answer 4

It is a small, specific detail that has great importance to the theme, structure and overall meaning to the text. It could be character interactions, dialogue, word choice, narrative style, and literary devices
E.g. In ‘An Inspector Calls’ Mr Birling- “I can’t accept any responsibility. If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we’d had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn’t it?”-The micro level reflects the theme of social responsibility where the upper class tries to deflect the blame and preserve power by ignoring the needs of the working class though his dismissive language and individuality over collectivity.

Question 5

Lament

Answer 5

It is the expression of great grief and sorrow in response to a tragedy. It can be in the form of a poem, song, speech. In lit. it is symbolic way for a character to process pain and or loss.

Question 6

Paradox

Answer 6

It is something the appears impossible but actually holds some truth and logic.
E.g. Less is more- At firsts it seams contradictory but is actually true, art—-> less elements could make the piece better.

Question 7

Denouement

Answer 7

it is used to describe the end or a story or its final part, where the plot is resolved and brought together. It the conclusion of the story

Question 8

Ambiguity

Answer 8

It is a situation that can be interpreted in multiple ways leading to uncertainty. It is used to purposely create complexity and leave room for interpretation of characters, events or ideas.
E.g.”She can’t bear children.”
Can’t have children or stand children?

Question 9

Comic relief

Answer 9

It is a device used to break the tension or seriousness out of an event by introducing humor though a character, event or situation.
E.g. Harry Potter- Clumsiness of Ron Weasley

Question 10

Circularity

Answer 10

Circularity is situation where the argument or reasoning repeats or returns to its starting point like a loop, without advancing new information or a valid explanation. So, the argument or idea goes in a circle, making no real progress because it relies on its own premise to prove itself
E.g. “The Bible is the word of God because it says so in the Bible.”