INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL LITERATURE

DRAMA

Lecturer : Levandra Balti, S.S.,M.Hum

Arranged by Group 5 :

1. M. Fatur Rizki Pratama 211014288203011

2. Mutiara Utami 211014288203012
3. Nabilah Abir Fatinah 211014288203014
4. Tri Jumiati 211014288203002
5. Vaiza Hilpina 211014288203024

ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF MUARA BUNGO
2023

PREFACE

First of all, thanks to Allah SWT because of the help of allah, we can finished writing
the paper entitiled “Drama” good and in the best time. Purpose in writing this paper is to fill
the assignment that given by Mr. Levandra Balti, S.S.,M.Hum as lecturer of Introduction to
Educational Literature in English Education Departement.

The writer also say thank you to all of people who helps in the process of writing this
paper. Hopefully Allah will bless you, the writer relized that this paper it’s still not perfect
and still too much wrong in arranged the content. So the writer hope the criticism from the
readers to help the writer in perfecting the next paper. Hopefully this paper can help all the
readers to gain more knowledge and information. Thank you so much.

Bungo, 08 Juni 2023

Author

TABLE OF CONTENT

PREFACE................................................................................................... i

TABLE OF CONTENT.............................................................................. ii
 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

A. Background............................................................................................ 1

B. Purpose of Writing................................................................................. 1

C. Problem Formulation.............................................................................. 1

CHAPTER II DISCUSSION

A. Definition Drama................................................................................... 2

B. Characteristics of Drama........................................................................ 3

C. The Types of Drama............................................................................... 4

D. The Classification Periods in Drama..................................................... 5

E. Structure of Drama Writing.................................................................... 6

CHAPTER III CLOSING

A. Conclusion............................................................................................. 8

B. Suggestion.............................................................................................. 8

REFERENCE............................................................................................ 9

ii
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

A. Background
 Drama refers to a genre that encompasses works intended for performance on stage,
including plays, theatrical productions, and scripts. Drama is characterized by its focus on
conflict, dialogue, and the portrayal of human emotions and interactions. It often explores
complex themes, delves into the depths of human nature, and presents stories through the
interactions and dialogues of characters. In the context of educational literature, drama
refers to the use of dramatic techniques and activities as a pedagogical tool to enhance
learning and engagement in the classroom. Educational drama incorporates elements of
theater, improvisation, role-playing, and storytelling to create interactive and participatory
learning experiences for students.

B. Purpose of Writing
Below is the purpose of writing this paper about Drama in educational literature :
1. What is drama in educational literature ?
2. What are elements that include in drama ?
3. What is the type of drama ?
4. What is the classification periods in drama ?
5. What is the structure of drama writing ?

C. Problem Formulation
Below is the problem formulation in this paper about Drama in educational literature :
1. To know definition drama in educational literature
2. To know the elements in drama
3. To know the types of drama
4. To know the classification periods in drama
5. To know the structure of drama writing

CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION

A. Definition Drama
 Drama is the specific mode of narrative, typically fictional, represented in
performance.The term comes from the Greek word δρᾶμα, drama, meaning action, which
is derived from the verb δράω, draō, meaning to do or to act. The enactment of drama in
theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative
modes of production and a collective form of reception. The structure of dramatic texts,
unlike other forms of literature, is directly influenced by this collaborative production and
collective reception.
Drama refers to a genre that encompasses works intended for performance on stage,
including plays, theatrical productions, and scripts. Drama is characterized by its focus on
conflict, dialogue, and the portrayal of human emotions and interactions. It often explores
complex themes, delves into the depths of human nature, and presents stories through the
interactions and dialogues of characters. In the context of educational literature, drama
refers to the use of dramatic techniques and activities as a pedagogical tool to enhance
learning and engagement in the classroom. Educational drama incorporates elements of
theater, improvisation, role-playing, and storytelling to create interactive and participatory
learning experiences for students.
Drama is often combined with music and dance: the drama in opera is generally sung
throughout; musicals generally include both spoken dialogue and songs; and some forms
of drama have incidental music or musical accompaniment underscoring the dialogue
(melodrama and Japanese Nō, for example). In certain periods of history (the ancient
Roman and modern Romantic) some dramas have been written to be read rather than
performed. In improvisation, the drama does not pre-exist the moment of performance;
performers devise a dramatic script spontaneously before an audience.

2
B. Characteristics of Drama

Drama in literature is characterized by several key elements and features. Here are
some of the defining characteristics of drama:

1. Conflict
 Drama revolves around conflicts, tensions, and struggles between characters or
opposing forces. These conflicts can be internal (within a character) or external
(between characters or groups), and they create the driving force behind the narrative.
2. Dialogue
Dialogue plays a central role in drama. It is through conversations, speeches, and
interactions between characters that the story unfolds. Dialogue reveals characters'
thoughts, emotions, motivations, and relationships, and it drives the plot forward.
3. Plot and Structure
Drama follows a specific plot structure. It typically consists of acts and scenes,
with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The plot develops through a series of events
and actions, leading to a climax and resolution.
4. Characterization
Characters in drama are often well-developed and multi-dimensional. They have
distinct personalities, traits, and motivations that drive their actions and interactions.
Effective characterization allows readers or audience members to connect with and
understand the characters' struggles and experiences.
5. Stage Directions
Drama often includes stage directions, which provide instructions for the actors,
set design, and other technical aspects of the performance. These directions guide the
interpretation and presentation of the play.
6. Theme
Like other forms of literature, drama explores various themes and issues. It can
delve into complex topics such as love, power, justice, morality, identity, and societal
issues. Themes in drama are often universal and reflect the human condition.
7. Spectacle
Spectacle refers to the visual and auditory elements of a dramatic production. It
includes the use of costumes, set design, lighting, sound effects, music, and other
elements that enhance the overall aesthetic and impact of the performance.
3
8. Catharsis
Drama often seeks to evoke emotional responses from the audience or reader.
Through the depiction of conflicts, struggles, and resolutions, drama can elicit
feelings of empathy, fear, joy, sadness, or catharsis, allowing individuals to
experience and process emotions vicariously.
 These characteristics collectively create a dynamic and engaging form of literature
that brings stories to life on stage or in the imagination of the reader. Drama provides a
unique and powerful means of exploring human experiences, relationships, and the
complexities of life.

C. The Types of Drama

In literature, drama refers to a genre of writing that is intended to be performed on
stage or in front of an audience. It is characterized by dialogue, conflict, and action. There
are various types of drama in literature, each with its own unique features and
conventions. Here are some of the main types of drama:
1. Tragedy
Tragedy is a form of drama that presents a serious and often somber story in
which the protagonist, usually a person of high rank or noble character, undergoes a
downfall or great suffering. Tragedies typically explore themes of fate, human flaws,
and the consequences of actions. Examples of famous tragedies include Shakespeare's
"Hamlet" and Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex."
2. Comedy
Comedy is a type of drama that aims to amuse and entertain the audience. It often
involves humorous situations, witty dialogue, and a lighthearted tone. Comedies
usually revolve around misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and romantic
entanglements. Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and Oscar Wilde's "The
Importance of Being Earnest" are well-known examples of comedy in literature.
3. Historical Drama
Historical drama portrays events or characters from the past. It often combines
elements of fact and fiction to recreate historical periods and bring historical figures
to life.

4
Historical dramas may explore political events, wars, or significant moments in
history. Examples include Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" and Friedrich Schiller's
"Mary Stuart."
4. Melodrama
 Melodrama is a dramatic form that emphasizes exaggerated emotions,
sensationalism, and plot twists. It often features clear-cut heroes and villains and
incorporates elements of romance, suspense, and sentimentality. Melodramas aim to
elicit strong emotional responses from the audience. A notable example is Tennessee
Williams' play "A Streetcar Named Desire."
5. Absurdist Drama
Absurdist drama is characterized by the exploration of the human condition in a
universe devoid of meaning or rationality. It often features illogical and repetitive
dialogue, bizarre situations, and nonsensical actions. Playwrights such as Samuel
Beckett ("Waiting for Godot") and Eugene Ionesco ("The Bald Soprano") are
associated with absurdist drama.
6. Musical Drama
Musical drama, also known as musical theater, combines spoken dialogue, music,
and dance to tell a story. It encompasses a wide range of styles and themes, from
light-hearted musical comedies to more serious and dramatic musicals. Examples of
famous musical dramas include "Les Misérables," "The Phantom of the Opera," and
"West Side Story."

D. The Classification Periods in Drama

The classification of drama into distinct periods can vary depending on different
factors such as historical, cultural, and artistic considerations. However, there are a few
commonly recognized periods in the history of drama that are often used to categorize
and study dramatic works. Here are some of the major periods:
1. Classical Period
This refers to the drama of ancient Greece and Rome, primarily from the 5th
century BCE to the 5th century CE. It includes the works of playwrights like
Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus, and the Roman playwrights Plautus and Terence.
The dramas of this period often focused on mythological or historical subjects and
were performed in amphitheaters.
5
2. Medieval Period
This period encompasses drama from the Middle Ages, roughly from the 5th to
the 15th century. Medieval drama included religious plays such as Mystery Plays,
 Miracle Plays, and Morality Plays, which were performed in churches or public
squares and dealt with biblical or moral themes.
3. Renaissance Period
The Renaissance period, spanning from the 14th to the 17th century, saw a revival
of interest in classical Greek and Roman drama. It includes the works of playwrights
like William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson. Renaissance drama
explored a wide range of themes and genres, including tragedies, comedies, and
historical plays.
4. Elizabethan and Jacobean Period
This period specifically refers to the English drama during the reigns of Queen
Elizabeth I (1558-1603) and King James I (1603-1625). It is known for the flourishing
of theater in London, including the works of Shakespeare and other playwrights of the
time. The plays of this period often combined elements of tragedy, comedy, and
history.
5. Modern and Contemporary Period
This period encompasses drama from the late 19th century to the present day. It
includes the works of playwrights like Henrik Ibsen, Anton Chekhov, Arthur Miller,
Tennessee Williams, Samuel Beckett, and many others. Modern and contemporary
drama covers a wide range of styles, themes, and experimentation, reflecting the
changing social, political, and cultural landscape.

These periods provide a general framework for understanding the evolution of drama
in literature. However, it's worth noting that these divisions are not universally agreed
upon, and there can be overlaps and variations depending on different cultural contexts
and scholarly perspectives.

E. Structure of Drama Writing

Drama script consists of several structures or elements that make it up. The following is
the structure or elements of the drama script.
1. Title: the name of the drama script.

6
2. Characters and character: the names of each character involved in the story and their
characters.
3. Act: a large part of a play which consists of several scenes.
4. Prologue: the opening story of a story in a drama script or an introductory word as an
introduction to provide an overview of actors, conflicts or things that happen in the
drama.
5. Scene: appearance of a new character or atmosphere or usually accompanied by a
change of setting or plot.
6. Dialogue (hauptext): conversation between two or more characters.
7. Cover/side/instruction text (nebentext): instructions for the character's behavior and
stage conditions.
8. Epilogue: closing story in a drama script that ends a story.

7
CHAPTER III
CLOSING
A. Conclusion

Drama is a special mode of narrative, usually fictional, that is represented in a

performance. In drama there are characteristics, namely conflict, dialogue, plot and
structure, characterization, stage directions, theme, spectacle and catharsis. and in
drama there are types, namely tragedy, comedy, historical drama, melodrama,
absurdist drama and musical drama. in drama we get the classification periods in
drama, like classical period, medieval period, renaissance period, elizabethan and
jacobean period, modern and contemporary period. and the last in drama we know the
structure of drama writing like title, character, prologue and etc.

B. Suggestion
The author realizes that in writing papers there are still many mistakes and
deficiencies, both in the cover, table of contents and core chapters. Therefore,
criticism and suggestions from friends and other readers are what we are really
waiting for so that we can find out where the error lies and can be corrected in the
next paper.

REFERENCES
Akbar, Moh. Rijalul. "Drama Manuscript (Definition, Characteristics, Structure, Method
of Compilation, and Examples). Rijalakbar.id Accessed July 7, 2020.
https://www.rijalakbar.id/2020/07/naskah-drama-pengertian-ciri-struktur.html?m=1

Bolton, G. (2010). Drama as a pedagogical tool : Exploring the benefits of drama in

education. Teaching and Teacher Education, 26(2), 306-314.

Neelands, J., & Goode, T. (2008). Structuring drama work: A handbook of available
forms in theatre and drama. Cambridge University Press.

O'Neill, C., & Lambert, A. (2013). Drama and theater in education. A research-based
handbook. Routledge.

Prentki, T., & Preston, S. (2009). The applied theatre reader. Routledge.

Wagner, B. J. (2014). Drama education : A performance approach to teaching and

learning. Routledge.