literature forms

Assignment 2

Different literature forms exist and differ in one way or another. Drama and poetry for instance emphasize overt performance compared to short stories, which can be read silently, and in solitude. This discussion delineates on the key qualities in drama and poetry that exhibits performative qualities.

Performative aspects are reflected in poetry and drama through various ways. One of the ways is through rhythmic patterns. Poems manifest these aspects more than drama. Another way in which performance aspects are reflected is by stage directive. These are more often in drama. They help the characters by guiding them how to act on the stage. The actor only memorizes these directives and puts them into action while performing. Another way they are reflected is through the styles they adopt. In drama, the character is different from the writer even if the writer plays the role of one of the characters. The behavior of the character is usually maiden, it is like the actor puts on a mask by adopting traits that are not his or hers. The language is yet another aspect manifest in poetry and drama to reflect performance aspects. The language adopted is abstract and requires further thought. The structure of poem and drama is also different and reflects its performance aspects. Poems use lines and stanzas in conveying the message while dramas use narrations and short phrases. These literary elements also contribute to a reader’s experiences. They require a person to be attentive to enhance understanding of the message. They also make poems and drama more interesting.

A good a example of a drama that shows the attributes or qualities discussed is, “The little princes” by Frances. H, Burnett. This drama is structured, has a stage directive, characters and scenes and the information that the character is supposed to internalize so as to perform. An example of a poem with the above qualities is “As I grew older” by Langston Hughes. The poem requires a reader to think and reason about what the author is conveying by reading closely between the lines. It has a structure of a poem as it has lines and stanzas.

References

Hughes, L. (2013). AS I grew older. Retrieved from: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/as-i-g

Burnett, F. (2012). The little princess. Retrieved from: http://artswork.asu.edu/students/lessons/drama_theatre/theatre_book/dialogue_example_p rincess.phprew-older/