Elements of Drama

watching versus readingDuring your high school career, you have read plays and studied dramatic conventions. Some popular titles that are taught in high school might include: Romeo and Juliet, A Doll's House, Our Town, Julius Caesar, and Oedipus Rex.

Think about a play that you have read or experienced and consider the following questions:

  • What has been your favorite play, and why is it your favorite play?
  • How is a play different from reading a novel?
  • How is viewing a play different from reading it? Think about plays you have read and then viewed on the stage or in a movie version. What kinds of differences did you observe? Explain the details about your experience

discussion iconTake a moment to share your play with your peers. Post your responses to these questions in the discussions area. Then, return to the topic several times over the next few days to read your coursemates' posts. Reply to at least two of them, making sure to ask questions and encourage further conversation. Consider asking your peers questions about the play or what role they may have contributed to creating the play.