English 9

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English – Grade 9
Quarter 3 – Module 14: Analyzing a One- Act Play
First Edition, 2020

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 English 9
Quarter 3
Self-Learning Module14
Analyzing a One – Act Play

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Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the (English 9) Self-Learning Module on (Analyzing a One – Act

Play)!

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

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 For the Learner:

Welcome to the (English) Self-Learning Module on (Analyzing a One – Act Play)!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.

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 EXPECTATIONS

This is your self-instructional learner module in English 9. All the activities

provided in this lesson will help you learn and understand: Analyzing a One – Act
Play.
Specifically, you will learn the following:
1. Define a one – act play
2. Identify the elements of a one – act play
3. Analyze a one – act play
4. Write your own script of a one- act play

PRETEST

Read and understand the questions very carefully. Then, choose the letter of the
correct answer.

1. What is a dialogue?
A. It is a conversation between and among characters in a play.
B. It is the long speech by a character who is alone on stage.
C. It is the speech by a character on stage with other characters listening.
2. She is simple, dignified, yet feisty, witty and beautiful lady. She embarks the
beauty of man to her wits in conniving trickery.
What element of one- act play does the sentences above refer to?
A. CharacterB. Characterization C. Character portrayal
3. And I stop. My one foot is suspended in the air. In front of me is a hole covered
in green leaves, only a child with no food on the table can fit in. However, the
whistle of the wind and the rustle of the leaves are so inviting.
What element of one- act play does the sentences above describe?
A. Plot B. Plot structure C. Suspense
4. Upon seeing that hole, I doubt myself. Will I follow you beyond the hole or just
wait you in the threshold until dusk?
Which of the elements does the sentences refer to?
A. Suspense B. Conflict C. Plot
5. Shylock went crazy when it reached to his knowledge that his favorite dusty
bunnies were missing in the woods. Unknown to him, the magical lion who is
feared by all imprisoned the bunnies in his lair.
The person and animals mentioned in the sentences are example of what
element?
A. Characterization B. Character C. Antagonist

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 RECAP
In the previous lesson, we have learned that verbal is a verb in form but has
different function in the sentence. It does not indicate actions in the sentence but it
takes the functions of noun and modifier.

LESSON

Now that you already know verbal and its functions, let’s read this passage.

But soft! what light through yonder window breaks?

It is the east, and Juliet is the sun! —
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief,
That thou her maid art far more fair than she.

---Romeo (Act 2, Scene 2)

Does the passage sound familiar to you? Indeed, it has been taken from one
of the famous lines in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. These lines are uttered by
Romeo to Juliet to woo her in the balcony; one of the famous scenes of the play. Just
like Romeo to her Juliet, we also want to experience this kind of feeling through
dramatization.

Drama has been part of our student’s life especially in the classroom activities
where we need to act and perform like actors and actresses.
Today, let us talk about the elements of one-act play for us to make an
effective analysis.
A play is a literary form of writing for theatre, which narrates a story with
elements which writers present their feelings, emotions, and ideas through their
characters and make them speak while a one- act play has one act which consists
of one or more scenes.
A one -act play has many elements these are:
1. Dialogue - It is the conversation between and among characters in a play. The
dialogue need not be abrupt, but must be concise and full of meaning.
2. Setting – It is the place and time where the events of the drama take place.
3. Characters – These are the persons, creatures, entities with specific and
distinguishing attributes portrayed by the actors in a play.
4. Characterization – It is the process of creating believable character by
exploring the character’s physical, social and psychological aspects of the role.

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 5. Plot – It is the sequence or ordered structure of a play as the action progresses
through the story.
6. Plot Structure – It is also known as the dramatic structure of a story, novel
or script includes the events that make up the idea of the writing.
7. Conflict – It is the oppositions of persons or forces giving rise to dramatic
action.
8. Atmosphere – It is created by the set, lighting, furnishings etc., including the
growing tension in the plot.
9. Suspense – It is the situation in the play that rouses the concerns for the
welfare of the character which can be created in many ways.
10. Theme – It is the basic idea of the play; the point of view or perception that
binds together a work of art.

These are the elements of a one- act play which one has to consider in
analyzing even in writing a script.
Now, let’s analyze this scene of a one- act play from “The Death of the
Insurance Man” written by D.M. Larson as an example. Let’s identify the elements
stated above.

"CALL FOR HELP"

by
D. M. Larson

(GIL enters and goes up to RALPH. GIL is grabbing his chest and looks very sick... like a heart
attack. RALPH sees GIL and jumps up)

RALPH: Are you okay?

GIL: Fine, fine. I need some insurance... now.
RALPH: You don't look so good. I better call…
GIL: No! No... I'm fine. I need some of your life insurance... now.
RALPH: Um... well... if you're sure you don't need any help.
GIL: No... please... insurance... now.
RALPH: Oh... okay. I remember you were looking at several policies last time you came by...
GIL: The one for heart attacks...
RALPH: With the mega care add on?
GIL: Right... mega... add… (GIL is fading and slipping out of his chair)
RALPH: I really should call someone. (GIL pulls himself back up)
GIL: No, I'm great... never better... give me the policy!
RALPH: Well, there are several options…
GIL: Give me the best…
RALPH: That will require some underwriting... we'll have to fill out this paperwork…
GIL: Never mind... what's the quickest option?
RALPH: Level 1 and 2 are simple... no underwriting.
GIL: Give me those.
RALPH: You just need one.
GIL: Give me the better one... now... please…
RALPH: Well, I have a lot of your information on file... just sign here and we'll get this processed for
you. (GIL struggles to sign and finally manages with some help from RALPH)
GIL: We good?
RALPH: I'll just need a payment... you can do a credit card or here is a form for payroll deduction…

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 GIL: Credit card… (GIL struggles to get wallet and gets card with Ralph's help)
RALPH: I'll run this now for you.
GIL: Now... yes, please…
RALPH: And there we go. Looks like you're good to go.
GIL: So, I'm covered…
RALPH: Yes.
GIL: For say... a heart attack.
RALPH: Yes.
GIL: Good. (GIL falls on the floor) GIL (CONT.) You can call for help now. (GIL passes out and
RALPH gets on his phone)
https://freedramaplays.blogspot.com/2015/10/call-for-help-scene-for-2-male-actors.html

Comprehension Questions:
1. Who are the characters in the play? Which part is the dialogue? And what is
the setting?
2. How can you describe the characters based on their physical and other
attributes?
3. What is the atmosphere of the scene? Where is the suspense part?
4. What is the conflict? What about the theme?
5. What is the plot structure?

In this scene, there are only two characters, Gil and Ralph whom Gil is the
client while Ralph is an insurance agent. We can describe Gil as a person who’s
having a heart attack because of his struggled breathing upon arriving in Ralph’s
office but does not tell about it. Ralph, on the other hand is a person in business
mode. He obeys Gil’s demand even if he sees him struggling. Their attitudes tell that
both persons are determined to get what they want.
Based on the script, the atmosphere around the office turns into a nerve-
wracking mood as Gil arrives very sickly with deep breathing and intermittent
talking. Also, it’s very suspenseful in part where Gill is slipping in his chair but does
not take the offer to call the doctor first instead, he demands on getting the policy.
Moreover, the conflict lies whether Ralph is going to call the doctor or granting
Gil’s request of the policy which the latter happens. Likewise, this event shows us
the theme that death is inevitable, and insurance is vital. Though, this is just part of
the play, we can say that the plot structure is in its turning point as the situation
suggests. Towards the end, Gil gets his help after acquiring the policy but we do not
know whether he is alive or dead.
Guided Practice

This time, let’s try these items as practice exercise on analyzing a one- act play
using its elements. Let’s start.

It is already near midnight, in the small bare room, there is only an old wooden table and a broken chair
supported by pile of hollow blocks to make it stand. Lily, a 10 year- old girl, is hand sewing her mother’s
torn mask. The flashlight serves as her only source of light. In the corner is her mother preparing the
mats on the floor as their bed.

Mother: (With a sleepy and tired face). Lily, you can finish that tomorrow morning. Let’s go to sleep.

Lily: (with a smile) I’m almost done, Mom. You may rest and sleep now. I know it is a tiring day for
you. Being a streetsweeper is not an easy job, Mom.

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 What elements are present in this part of the play? The beginning of the plot
is already visible where the characters, Lily and Mother, are introduced and the other
element such as the setting of the play which is in their small and bare room at near
midnight. Also, the dialogue is already present because of the conversation between
Lily and mother. Furthermore, based on the surroundings and lightings as stated in
the introduction, the atmosphere here is poor so as the condition of the family. What
about this.

Lily: (with a happy and lively demeanor) Mom, wake up. It’s weekend. I already prepare our breakfast.

Mother: (smiling) Good morning, Lily. I should be the one cooking our breakfast. (yawning and
stretching her arms). What a lovely day!

Lily: (still smiling). It’s alright mom besides sunny side up and hotdogs are not that difficult to
cook. (both are giggling). I also prepare 2 pales of water for your bath. By the way, your face mask
is already good as new. I washed it last night after sewing.

Mother: Oh, you’re so sweet dear. (Almost crying and hugging Lily). Thank you so much.

Lily: You’re welcome, Mom. I love you. That’s the only way I can help you. Come on, Mom you only
have an hour to prepare. You will be late in your volunteering job in the Mobile Kitchen for our
front liners.

What element is prominent in this part? We can say that Lily is a loving and
sweet daughter to her mother. She is also helpful at home by doing chores for her
mother and she is happy doing it. The mother is very thankful to Lily. We can also
tell that the mother is hardworking because aside from her job she also has time to
do volunteer work for the community in the Mobile Kitchen. In this part we are able
to characterize or describe the characters in the play. Let’s see this one.

Since the town is in total lockdown because of pandemic, mother walks from their small rental
room to the location of the Mobile Kitchen near the hospital. As a street sweeper she can be considered
as front liner and she never hesitates to volunteer in the Mobile Kitchen to provide food for the other
front liners in the hospital. However, front liners’ job is very difficult during this time. They are prone to
catch the disease and mother is not an exemption.

Nurse: Mother, I am sorry. The result of your swab test is positive. You will be put in the quarantine
facility right away. You are not allowed to go home the ambulance is ready to fetch you.

Mother: (Feeling nervous and afraid). Are you… sure? I don’t have any symptoms. (crying) what about
Lily? Oh my… my daughter. She’ll be alone at home. What about her?

Nurse: Don’t worry Medics will fetch your child for testing. If she is also positive of the disease, she
will be put in the same quarantine facility with you. However, if the finding is negative, she will stay
at home. But still she is not allowed to go out.

Mother: (crying so hard, talking to herself). My poor Lily. What will happen to us? Why is this
happening to us…. (crying so loud). What will happen to her alone at home? (thinking about Lily’s
happy face) Will it be ok if…. Oh my … no…no. It’s better if it is only me suffering from this. What am
I thinking?

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 What analysis can you give from this scene? The conflict arises when the
nurse reveals the result of the test to mother. She becomes worried about the
situation Lily may encounter. She begins to question herself. She even feels horrified
when she thinks of Lily being positive like her but deny the idea immediately. As we
have observed, from the start of the play to this scene, this is the turning point in
the plot structure. We can feel so much emotion especially to the part of the mother.
We can also feel a bit of suspense to the mere fact that Lily is just 10 years old who
is left alone at home as well as the possibility that she is contaminated with the
disease. What is the theme that can be drawn in the play? The love of a mother to
her child and vice versa.
This is how we analyze a one- act play using its elements. It gives us a clear
view of what the play is all about and how we can perform the play by heart.

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1. Answer the crossword puzzle.

Across
1. It is the process of creating believable
character by exploring the character’s
physical, social and psychological
aspects of the role.
2. It is the sequence or ordered structure
of a play as the action progresses
through the story.
6. It is the situation in the play that
rouses the concerns for the welfare of
the character which can be created in
many ways.
Down
1. These are the persons, creatures, entities with
specific and distinguishing attributes portrayed
by the actors in a play.
2. It is also known as the dramatic structure of a
story, novel or script includes the events that
make up the idea of the writing.
3. It is created by the set, lighting, furnishings
etc., including the growing tension in the plot.
4. It is the oppositions of persons or forces giving
rise to dramatic action.
5. It is the conversation between and among
characters in a play. The dialogue need not be
abrupt, but must be concise and full of meaning.
7. It is the place and time where the events of the
drama take place.
8. It is the basic idea of the play; the point of view
or perception that binds together a work of art.
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Activity 2

Analyze the script below. Then write a short analysis about it using the elements of
one- act play.

“The Perfect Partnership”

By: Shelby Deglan

At rise. A sunny day on a sidewalk near a park. A bench is center stage with foliage in the
background. Upstage right there is a small table with a telephone on it, representing PENELOPE’S
house. There is a separate spotlight to distinguish that part of the stage from the rest. STEPHEN
enters, walking down the sidewalk and holding a puppy. He has his phone to his ear.

STEPHEN: Penelope? Penelope? Come on, please pick up the phone. I’m so sorry about what
happened earlier, but I’ve got the puppy now and I’m on my way to taking him back to the shelter
right now. Penelope? …All right, this is just getting ridiculous. Pick up the phone. I know you’re
there… I mean, unless you’re not. Look, if you’re not home, just call me back when you get this,
okay? I love you. Penelope—
Lights on PENELOPE, upstage right with the telephone table. PENELOPE picks up the phone. She
has a tissue in her hand.
PENELOPE: (Sneezes) Hello?
STEPHEN: Penelope, you’re there!
PENELOPE: Stephen.
STEPHEN: Like I said, I am so sorry. When I get back, I will clean everything up, all the hair and
slobber, your whole house. There will be absolutely no traces of puppy left, I swear.
PENELOPE: There better not be. Stephen, you knew I was allergic to puppies— STEPHEN: —I
didn’t!
PENELOPE: —But still you bring it to my home, let it rummage through my closet. My favorite pair
of shoes are ruined now, Stephen. Ruined!
STEPHEN: Well in about ten minutes the puppy will be out of your life forever, I promise. … Aw,
poor guy.
PENELOPE: Excuse me?
STEPHEN: …And poor you, Penelope. Have your sinuses clear up yet? PENELOPE sneezes.

Activity 3

Write a short one- act play using the elements which is consists of 2 scenes about
any member of your family who wants to be a volunteer in the quarantine facility of
your community despite the pandemic. Follow the rubric below.

Criteria 5 3 Score
Content The content follows the The content somewhat
topic in the instruction follows the instruction
and it has 2 scenes. but it has only one
scene.
Presence of 7 to 10 elements of one- 6 and below elements
Elements act play are present. of one- act play are
present.
Mechanics and The script has no errors The script has many
Grammar in grammar, spelling, errors in grammar,
punctuations and spelling, punctuations
capitalizations. and capitalizations.
Total

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 WRAP-UP

Identify the elements of 0ne- act play that the sentences refer to.
__________ 1. It is the situation in the play that rouses the concerns for the welfare
of the character which can be created in many ways.

__________ 2. These are the persons, creatures, entities with specific and
distinguishing attributes portrayed by the actors in a play.
__________ 3. It is the process of creating believable character by exploring the
character’s physical, social and psychological aspects of the role.
__________ 4. It is the basic idea of the play; the point of view or perception that binds
together a work of art.
__________ 5. It is also known as the dramatic structure of a story, novel or script
includes the events that make up the idea of the writing.
__________ 6. It is the sequence or ordered structure of a play as the action progresses
through the story.

__________ 7. It is the oppositions of persons or forces giving rise to dramatic action.

__________ 8. It is the conversation between and among characters in a play.

__________ 9. It is created by the set, lighting, furnishings etc., including the growing
tension in the plot.
__________ 10. It is the place and time where the events of the drama take place.

VALUING

Give a situation showing the importance of one- act play in the community.
Write your answer in the box.

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 POSTTEST

Read and understand the play very carefully. Then answer the questions that

follow.

THE BEGGAR AND THE KING

by Winthrop Parkhurst

[A chamber in the palace overlooks a courtyard. The season is midsummer. The windows of the
palace are open, and from a distance there comes the sound of a man's voice crying for bread.][THE
KING sits in a golden chair. A golden crown is on his head, and he holds in his hand a scepter
which is also of gold. A SERVANT stands by his side, fanning him with an enormous fan of
peacock feathers.]

THE BEGGAR: (outside) Bread. Bread. Bread. Give me some bread.

THE KING: (languidly) Who is that crying in the street for bread?
THE SERVANT: (fanning) O king, it is a beggar.
THE KING: Why does he cry for bread?
THE SERVANT: O king, he cries for bread in order that he may fill his belly.
THE KING: I do not like the sound of his voice. It annoys me very much. Send him away.
THE SERVANT: (bowing) O king, he has been sent away.
THE KING: If that is so, then why do I hear his voice?
THE SERVANT: O king, he has been sent away many times, yet each time that he is sent away
he returns again, crying louder than he did before.
THE KING: He is very unwise to annoy me on such a warm day. He must be punished for his
impudence. Use the lash on him.
THE SERVANT: O king, it has been done.

1. What is the setting of the play?

A. In the palace court yard, fall season
B. A chamber in the palace, midsummer
C. In the palace, wild summer

2. How do you describe the King?

A. He is an honorable king for he protects the palace against their enemies.
B. He is a heartless king for he wants the beggar to be punished for begging.
C. He is a kind king for he helps his kinsmen.

3. Why does the king want the beggar to be sent away?

A. Because the sound of his voice annoys him
B. Because the sound of his voice is music to his ears
C. Because the sound of his voice reminds him of someone

4. Why does the beggar keep on coming back even if he has been sent away?
A. Because he is always hungry
B. Because he wants to be noticed and be invited in the palace
C. Because he wants the king to notice the plea of his people for help

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 5. What is the conflict in the play?
A. The king is annoyed to the servant because he disobeys his orders.
B. The servant stopped the fanning to the king so the king gets mad.
C. The beggar keeps coming back and begging even louder for bread which
annoys the king.

KEY TO CORRECTION
theme 8.
Setting 7.
Dialogue 5.
Conflict 4.
Atmosphere 3.
Plot structure 2.
Characters 1.
5. C Down 5. B
4. C Suspense 6. 4. B
3. A may vary vary Plot 2. 3. C
2. B Answers Answers may Characterization 1. 2. B
1. B Across 1. A
Post - Test Activity 3 Activity 2 Activity 1 Pre- Test

References
Larson, D. M., “Call for Help” Freedrama Free Play Scripts and Monologues for Stage
and Classroom (blog), © 2001- 2019, Thursday, October 22, 2015,
https://freedramaplays.blogspot.com/2015/10/call-for-help-scene-for-2-male-
actors.html

“Literary Devices: Definition and Example of Literary Terms”, Accessed July 22,
2020 https://literarydevices.net/play/

Schlottman, Andrea, “17 Romeo and Juliet Love Quotes that Stand the Test of
Time” books on the Wall © 2020, Accessed July 22, 2020
https://booksonthewall.com/blog/romeo-and-juliet-love-quotes/

“One- Act Plays” (docs), Accessed July 19, 2020 www.svsd.net › cms › lib5 ›
Centricity › Domain › OneACTPlays1

Parkhurst, Winthrop, “The Beggar and the King” The Atlantic Book of Modern Plays.
Ed. Sterling Andrus Leonard. Boston: Atlantic Monthly Press, 1921, Accessed July
25, 2020 https://www.one-act-plays.com/comedies/beggar_and_the_king.html

Delgan, Shelby, “The Perfect Partnership”, OffWall the Play Publishers, © 2015
https://offthewallplays.com/wpcontent/uploads/2015/10/1_pdfsam_The-perfect-
partnership-full-script.pdf

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