Dramatic Terms

Question 1

Antithesis

Answer 1

When two opposite things are used in a sentence to form a contrast. It’s used to highlight conflicting or opposing ideas in the characters language

Question 2

Aside

Answer 2

Remark the audience is supposed to hear but not heard by other characters on stage

Question 3

Dramatic irony

Answer 3

Where the audience or characters on stage have information or knowledge the other character(s) do(es) not

Question 4

Hyperbole

Answer 4

Using exaggerated, over the top language for dramatic effect

Question 5

Imagery

Answer 5

Using words or phrases to create pictures in our mind. In a play it can tell us about a character, create a certain mood/atmosphere or reinforce certain themes

Question 6

Lists

Answer 6

Groups of words or phrases used by characters to achieve certain dramatic effects.

Question 7

Oxymoron

Answer 7

Figure of speech which uses opposites to achieve a certain effect

Question 8

Soliloquy

Answer 8

The act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself, or regardless of anyone listening, especially by characters in a play

Question 9

Sonnet

Answer 9

14 line poem, typically with 10 syllables per line

Question 10

What dramatic techniques are used in Romeo & Juliet?

Answer 10

Soliloquy 
Oxymoron 
Asides
Dramatic irony
Prologue
Antithesis
Hyperbole 
Lists

Question 11

Give an example of soliloquy in Romeo & Juliet

Answer 11

Juliet in the Balcony Scene

Potion Scene

Question 12

Give an example of oxymoron in Romeo & Juliet

Answer 12

“Loving hate”, “Cold fire” (Romeo, act 1, Scene 1)

Question 13

Give an example of dramatic irony in Romeo & Juliet

Answer 13

When Romeo kills himself because he thinks Juliet is dead, when we know she isn’t

Question 14

What is the purpose of the prologue in Romeo & Juliet?

Answer 14

To create interest

Question 15

Give an example of an antithesis in Romeo & Juliet

Answer 15

“My grave is like to be my wedding bed” (Juliet, Act 1, Scene 5)

Question 16

Give an example of an hyperbole in Romeo & Juliet

Answer 16

Act 3, Scene 2, Romeo says Juliet’s eyes shine so brightly birds would think it was day

Question 17

Give an example of an lists in Romeo & Juliet

Answer 17

(Act 4, Scene 1) Juliet lists all the things she would rather do than marry Paris. Very dramatic

Question 18

Catastrophe

Answer 18

Action at the end of a play that initiates the denouement or falling action of a play

Question 19

Catharsis

Answer 19

Purging of feeling of pity and fear that, according to Aristotle, occur in the audience of a tragic drama. The audience experience catharsis at the end of a play, following catastrophe

Question 20

Chorus

Answer 20

A group of characters in Greek tragedy (and later forms of drama), who comment on the action of a play without participation in it

Question 21

Comedy

Answer 21

A type of drama where characters experience reversals of fortune, usually for the better. In a comedy, things work out happily in the end

Question 22

Comic relief

Answer 22

The use of a comic scene to interrupt a succession of intensely tragic dramatic moments

Question 23

Exposition

Answer 23

The first stage of a fictional/dramatic plot, in which necessary background information is provided

Question 24

Fourth wall

Answer 24

And imaginary wall of a box theatre setting, supposedly removed to allow the audience to see the action

Question 25

Dramatic irony

Answer 25

When a character speaks in ignorance of a situation or event known to the audience/other characters

Question 26

Pathos

Answer 26

Equality of a play’s action that stimulates the audience to feel pity for the character. It is always an aspect of a tragedy, and maybe a comedy

Question 27

Props

Answer 27

Articles or objects that appear on stage during the play

Question 28

Stage direction

Answer 28

The playwrights descriptive/interpretive comments that provide readers (and the audience) with information about the dialogue, setting and action

Question 29

Staging

Answer 29

How the play is presented; including the position of actors on stage, scenic backgrounds, props and costumes, lighting and sound effects