Paper 2 Questions

“In dramatic construction there must be variation of pace and rhythm, monotony of any kind being
certain to induce boredom.” Comparing at least two plays you have studied in the light of this
statement, show how variations of pace and rhythm have been used to attract or heighten the
interest of the audience.

To what extent can the plays you have studied be seen to have, directly or indirectly, a social or
political purpose? Refer to two or three plays, exploring how they achieve their purposes.
Comparing the opening scenes of at least two plays, discuss what audience expectations are aroused
and how.

“Drama explains individuals, not relationships.” Paying close attention to how individuals and
relationships are presented in two or three plays you have studied, say how far you find this
statement to be true.

“Comedy exposes human weakness; tragedy reveals human strength.” How and to what extent does
this claim apply to at least two of the plays you have studied?
Or
A change in status of the characters in a play (a success, for example, a loss or exposure) helps to
convey the ideas and/or values of the dramatist. How and to what extent has change in status
contributed in this way to at least two of the plays you have studied?

The desire for power drives many of the tensions of drama. Discuss the ways in which dramatists
have presented tensions which arise from the desire for power in at least two plays.
Or
(b) “In drama there are more interesting roles for men than for women.” Discuss to what extent
you agree with this statement and what it is that makes a role interesting. Refer closely to at
least two plays you have studied.

The success of any drama depends on the credibility of the protagonists. Referring closely to
at least two of the plays you have studied, explore to what extent and in what ways they illustrate
the truth of this statement.
2. Looking closely at one or more of the following elements: lighting, sound and music, discuss the
ways in which they can affect the presentation of ideas in at least two of the plays you have studied.

1. Referring closely to at least two of the works in your study show to what extent and in what ways
dramatists use the irrational behaviour of their characters to further the action of their plays.
2. Is action that happens off-stage as important as that which happens on the stage? Refer closely to
at least two of the works you have studied.

Drama can be said to contain something of the ritual – something to be repeated in front of an
audience for a significant occasion, event or purpose, or simply everyday routines and patterns
of behaviour. In what ways have at least two plays you have studied made use of the notion of
ritual in this way and to what effect?
2. “The dramatic life of any play often emerges from what is not said rather than what is.”
Examine the role and significance of all or any of silence, suggestion and subtext in at least two
plays you have studied.
1. “We are often puzzled by the things people do, uncertain as to their motives.” In the light of this
statement, consider ways in which character motivation is presented in works by at least two
dramatists you have studied.
2. Writers may make repetitive use of details which become dramatically significant. Consider the
use made of such repetition of detail in at least two plays you have studied, and discuss the impact
on the plays as a whole.
1. Explore the ways in which social class has been presented dramatically in at least two plays you
have studied and consider its significance in each play.
2. To what extent do at least two plays you have studied explore the relationship and tension
between
rational and irrational behaviour as a means to further the action of the drama?
1. With reference to at least two plays by different dramatists, consider in what ways and to
what
extent they present life as being difficult to understand.
2. Dramatists introduce their main characters in different ways and with differing effects. Compare
or
contrast the ways in which characters have been introduced in at least two plays you have studied,
and consider what dramatic use is made of these introductions.