In groups of 4 watch the movie entitled 'Sound of Music'.

Discuss why this drama is

categorised as a musical drama and analyse the plot, setting, characters and themes in
the drama. Turn in your answers.

Group members:
1. Aisha
2. Nurin Hamizah
3. Nur Syuhada
4. Nurnabilah

PLOT
1. Inciting incident:
Set in the late 1930s, Maria, a nun is sent to be a governess for the distinguished
Von Trapp family. Maria is a carefree, kindred spirit, often escaping the convent
to sing songs on the hills high above Salzburg.

Without the knowledge of Maria, this has caused discord among her fellow nuns,
especially The Reverend Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood), who senses doubt in
Maria’s chosen path. (00:18:10)

2. Lock in:
As retired Naval Captain Von Trapp tells Maria to pack her bags and leave for
allowing his children to hang from trees, he hears distant singing.

He goes inside his mansion and discovers his children singing together. He joins
them and the children, the product of strict parenting, enjoy a rare moment of
intimacy with their father.

Here we see the first function that music plays in this film.
Music liberates the soul. First, Maria from her convent and then, the Von Trapp
children from their domineering household. (01:18:47)

3. First culmination:
Upon learning of the Captain’s desire to marry Baroness Schraeder

Maria leaves without saying goodbye. Her heart is broken but, instead of
acknowledging it, she escapes to seek solace back at the convent. (01:42:20)

4. Main culmination:
Slowly, but steadily, the Captain’s eye has wandered from the Baroness to Maria,
who comes back from the convent to follow her heart and see if true love awaits
her.
 Her faith is rewarded as she marries Captain Von Trapp in a lavish ceremony.

Here, the second function of music has been revealed. Music bonds. First,
Captain Von Trapp with his children, and then, the Captain with Maria. (02:18:36)

5. Third act twist:

The Von Trapp family tries to escape Salzburg after the Captain receives a letter
ordering him to join the Nazi armed forces, which he has no intentions of doing.

They are caught, but the Captain is able to convince the Nazi officers waiting
outside his mansion that he is taking his family to the Salzburg Festival. The ruse
works.

Here, the third, and most important, function of music has been made clear.
Music saves. The Von Trapp family’s performance at the Festival wins the top
honor, which allows them time to slip away and avoid capture. (02:43:56)

THEMES
1. War: In March 1938, the Germans marched into Austria and Austria disappeared
as an independent nation until the end of WWll
2. Love: Love between family members where Maria managed to convince Captain
von Trapp to open up his heart and connect with his children
3. Family: From a fractured, emotionally distant bunch at the movie’s start, the von
Trapps become a close, loving family

CHARACTERS

1. Maria Rainer:
A young postulant in Nonnberg Abbey
Maria is a free-spirited young lady
Maria loves the spirit of joy, happiness and laughter
Evidence: During the earliest scenes, Maria is singing her heart out about how
much she loves music and freedom.
Maria always seems to get into trouble due to her personality
Evidence: Sister Berthe and Sister Sophia tell about what she does such as
being late and whistling everywhere.

2. Mother Abbess:
Motherly personality towards other sisters including Maria despite her
 problematic actions
Mother Abbess is stern yet caring towards other sisters. She is very strict about
her decision yet it is what will benefit Maria.

3. Captain George von Trapp:

A retired naval captain and a father of 7 children
A strict yet caring father
Evidence: He set discipline as the first rule in his house. His children walk in line
when called with a whistle.
Evidence 2: Captain von Trapp uses a whistle in the big house to call on the
people.
Captain von Trapp used to love music as his late wife played violin and guitar for
him.

SETTING

1. Late 1930s: Reveals one of the major plotlines revolves around Austria's struggle
to resist the German occupation in World War II.
2. Mountains near the Nonnberg Abbey: Maria finds the abbey and is attracted to
enter it when she is walking in the mountain. She hears the nuns’ voices and is
captured by it to stay in the abbey.
3. Nonnberg Abbey: The abbey appears a lot at the beginning of the drama
especially when Maria and nuns sing and dance.