Introduction to SED ‘21

DR. KURNIA NINGSIH. M.A

 Studies on English Drama

This course provides students with the knowledge

and skills how to analyze the Drama. They master
the elements of drama and have ability to reveal the
meaning through the elements of drama. They have
competence in revealing the meaning behind the text
of Drama. How to criticize the long drama.
 Course of line

Week I. Introduction to Studiesnon English Drama

Week II- VIII Analyzing drama one act through the Elements
of the drama
Week IX Mid Test
Week X _ XVI Analyse the long Drama : more than one acts
with the variation of topics:
 Origins and Insights
 Gender and identity
 War and violence
 Race and difference
 Individualism and community
 Class Dicipline

Each students must readand analyze the provided

text of Drama
Present it in the class.
Discussion and Listen to the lecturer
Do the weekly works
Do the mid Test project
Mid Test
Do the Final project
Final test
 Evaluation

Weekly works 30 %
Mid Projeck and Mid Test 30%
Final Project anf Final Test 40 %
 Review

Drama is different from other literary works (such as

a prose and poetry. ) It consists of dialogue and stage
direction . An analysis of a play is NOT a summary.
An analysis requires an INTERPRETATION by the
reader. Focus on single element of drama( plot,
character, dialogue, setting, stage Direction ..). An
interpretation of a work may concentrate on a
specific part of the drama/play( Satge Direction,
word by word, sentence by sentence, dialogue by
dialogue)
 Structural Elements of Drama

Cast of characters - list of characters in play

Dialogue – words that tell the actors what to say
Stage directions – words that tell how the stage
should look or what the actors should do
Setting – words that tell or refer to where, when,
condition, amospher of the play takes place
Acts – major sections of a long play
 The general process

Examine the title: is it indicative of a conflict or

human condition? is it symbolic or something else?. Is it
irony, sarcastic, satire, serious or humorous?
Read the play: are there any indication of the
meaning? what is the topic? The setting? The voice?, Is
there historical or cultural link?
Study the ending: Where has the play taken you?
Examine the drama by parts: Are there acts or scene
symbolic? Is there a purpose for breaking the acts or
scene at specific points?
Determine the Tone : how is it?, sad, anger, hate?
 Analyzing Drama

Read the drama several times .Some questions before

reading are very important:

1. Who are the characters?: who is protagonist?,

antagonist . How do the charaters relate each others?
What is their function within the plot? What are the
point of view/ perspective of the characters? It may
be social, intellectual,political,even physical?
What happens?: are conflicts introduced?, are
the conflicts internal or external? Or both of them?
Is the play tragic, humorous, resolved insightful?
What is the setting : what condition, situattion,
atmosphere make the drama? And how do they
relate to Theme?
What is the theme? What does the play want to
say exactly? What is the significant of the play as
the whole? How is the theme revealed through the
characters, plot? Dialogue? Act and scene?
Are there any key statements?
How does language contribute to the meaning?:
what kind of words , phrases or sentences are
used?
How does the stage direction play a role?
this really influences the meaning of the drama, so
do not ignore them.
Is there political, ideology, historical or cultural
aspect? ( race, status social, gender, class)
What qualities or emotions does the play evoke?
How do you feel when reading the text.