Revising for English A Paper 2 - Drama

[J O Y]

Hey guys!

In terms of revising for the English Comparative Essay, how crucial is it for us to also consider the use of props, sound + lighting, space, etc when we're analysing the play?

So far in my notes, I've considered mostly themes, characterisation, motifs and the context and I'm not sure if it is necessary to also include the elements of a staged production as well.

Thanks!

[ultimateone]

I'd love to know that too actually, was wondering the same thing.

[Blackcurrant]

Hi JOY and Ultimateone,

You should ensure that you response reflects that you are dealing with DRAMA and therefore props, stage directions, asides etc should figure in your response. It partly depends on the question, of course, so props may not be an aspect that is relevant. At any rate,  your response should not sound like you are dealing with a novel or memoir.   Theme and plot are appropriate to drama too, but your focus should be squarely on drama and dramatic techniques.

Edited September 29, 2016 by Blackcurrant

[IB`NOT`ez]

Taken directly from the Literature syllabus:

In part 3, a group of works selected from the same literary genre is studied in depth. Each genre has recognizable techniques, referred to as literary conventions (see the section “Skills” in “Approaches to the teaching of language A: literature”), and writers use these conventions, along with other literary features, in order to achieve particular artistic ends. The grouping of works by genre is intended to provide a framework for the comparative study of the selected works through an exploration of the literary conventions and features associated with that genre. To ensure a meaningful comparison of the literary genre being studied, teachers are encouraged to be attentive in selecting works. While grouping works by themes can also be useful, the expectation is that students will gain an understanding of the various ways in which conventions of the genre can be used. Teachers should aim to develop students’ ability to:

• acquire knowledge and understanding of the works studied

• acquire a clear sense of the literary conventions of the selected genre

• understand the ways in which content is delivered through the literary conventions of the selected genre

• compare the similarities and differences between the chosen works.

It'll definitely be important to make comparisons involving the text-type conventions of your studied texts