GUIDELINES FOR STAGE PLAY ANALYSIS

FORMAT OF PAPER
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Use 8 x 11 white paper.

Use Times New Roman font, Font size 12, no Boldface, and use of All Caps
Put page numbers.
Double spaced.
1 inch margin in all sides
Put your STUDENT NUMBER (NO NAMES, SURNAMES OR NICKNAMES) on the
upper right hand of the paper. And your section across it.
7. Include your own title of your essay.

GUIDE QUESTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

1. Word Count SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN 3,000 WORDS.
2. As you ponder these elements, answer the following questions about the
play, in paragraph format. Use complete sentences and good grammar to
develop a good paragraph response to each question. Your style need not be
formal, but it should be polished and thoughtful. WRITE YOUR OWN
THOUGHTS, and DO NOT use outside internet sources or any other resources,
other than for context.
Steps to follow in writing a play analysis:
CONTEXT: Consider the period setting of the play, and then research the
events of the world during that time period. For example, if you are analyzing a
play that takes place during the great depression, you will need to research and
understand the current events and everyday human concerns of that period in
order to write a dramaturgical analysis. The time setting is the most important
part of dissecting the inner workings of a play. Characters are defined by their
environments, just as we human beings are. So understanding the world events
of a play's time period is essential in order to truly grasp the intended setting.
When writing your analysis, include not only the broad events of the period, but
also smaller scale concerns that would have affected the characters in the play
at that time. These smaller, more personal glimpses into life during the period
will actually prove to be the most beneficial to someone reading your analysis.
CHARACTER: Analyze each character, answering the following questions: Who
is the character? How is the character related to the other characters in the
play? What is the character's position/job in the world? What does the character
want? How does the character go about achieving what he or she wants? What is
the ending result in the play for the character? These are the absolute essentials
for an analysis. But more in-depth analysis is necessary for more central
characters of the play. The importance of a character's role in the play should
determine the extent to which their character is dissected. Search for more and

more detail, answering as many questions as possible about the function,

environment and methods of each and every character in the play.
THOUGHT or THEME: Dissect the thematic elements of the play. Look for a
broad, singular overall theme topic. For example, is the play really about love or
sacrifice or family loyalty? Define this overall theme as the main intention of the
play. From there, identify sub-themes which tie in with the overall intentions of
the play. Look for contradictory thematic elements as well, as these are often
used to create a diversity of opinion. Write a complete analysis of all the themes
you are able to identify in the play. Include as many specifics as possible as to
how the themes are demonstrated within the context of the play.
DICTION/LANGUAGE: How would you characterize the dialogue? Is there
anything distinguishing about the word images, the flow, the period language,
etc.? What kind of words do the characters speak to discuss their ideas, feelings,
and actions? Are there recurring words or ideas that take on symbolic or ironic
meaning? What kind of tone do the characters use as they speak their words?
(As you are reading the play, you must imagine this by putting yourself into a
few roles.)
MUSIC: What sounds do the characters or their surroundings make as the plot
unfolds, builds, climaxes, and resolves? What musical or rhythmic patterns are
used to develop ideas or atmosphere? If there is singing or instrumental music,
why is it significant to the action?
SPECTACLE: How do the costumes, props, and ground plan help or hinder the
characters as they try to resolve their conflicts? Are there strong visual images in
costume or set design which become significant or symbolic in the meaning of
the play? (This is the central image which will help you determine the
directorial concept. )
Summarize your opinions about this play in a short paragraph before you launch
into the answers to the questions. Remember, you must respond to all 8
questions, in order.
MY GRADING SYSTEM for STAGE PLAY ANALYSIS:
Various point deductions:
5 each for failing to underline the title, to name the playwright, or to give the
title of the play
10 for mixing your verb tenses
10 for each day it is turned in late
3 for each comma splice, run-on sentence, fragment, subject-verb agreement
1 (usually) for inaccurate statements, unless its REALLY wrong and you develop
it to the point that you demonstrate a total misreading---or worse, that you
didnt really read it.

1 (usually) for other mechanical errors (spelling, minor punctuation, awkward

wording, usage, or other misdemeanors)

Briefly, and generally speaking:

The A paper: shows careful thought, sincere responses, honest probing into the
workings of the play. An A paper uses good grammar and spelling, good
development of paragraphs, concrete details, active verbs, good vocabulary,
careful proofreading, neat presentation. The A paper fully answers all of the
questions listed above. Beyond this, this paper possesses a certain je ne sais
quoi that shows me the writer REALLY spent some time thinking about the play
and its impact.
The B paper: All of the above, but perhaps not as well-developed, perhaps a
few mechanical errors. Still a sincere effort.
The C paper: GRADE: 75
The effort is there, but the execution is not as complete, nor as thoughtful, nor
as accurate. Errors may be more frequent. All of the questions are answered but
lacking some detail.
The D paper: GRADE: 70
A paper which should be redone, because it is unfinished, full of mechanical
errors, sloppy, or otherwise not ready to be turned in.
The F paper: GRADE: 50
A paper which shows little effort, which misses the content of the play
completely, which barely meets the requirements, and which will be returned to
the writer for a complete revision to earn a passing grade.
The 0 paper: One which is never turned in.

MY TYPICAL CORRECTION MARKS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SYMBOLS AND

ABBREVIATIONS
sp = spelling error
fragment

^ = insert (whatever I write)

R-O = run-on sentence

# = insert a space

CS = comma splice

S-V agr = subject-verb agreement

frag =