fuck ass english drama terms fmw 🥲✌️

allegory

a story with 2 different meanings where the straightforward meaning on the surface is used to reveal/ unlock a deeper meaning underneath

allusion

a reference to smth else such as a historical event, person, place etc (priestley likes to use religious allusion to the bible in particular 🙄)

audience surrogate

a proxy for the audience (eg a character acting on behalf of the audience who the audience can identify with. these characters thinksliek the audience and asks the wuations the audience crave answers to). (the inspector acts as thsi in the play)

cliffhanger

when the end of the text is abrupt so taht the main character is left in a difficult situation without any offering of resolution for their conflict

cyclical structure

a structural technique where the ending of the text mirrors the opening (in the inspector calls they end in the same place they began expecting the inspector.) a cyclical structure helps emphasise the need for change (without it characters like eva smith will continue to suffer)

dramatic irony

when the audience knows smth the characters do not. can be used to heighten tension.

foil

a character whose purpose is the emphasise or contrast with the qualities of another character

foreshadowing

where the author gives the reader hints or signs about the future. it suggests what is to come through imagery, language or symbolism. (suggest not gives answer)

metaphorical language

when the writer uses techniques such as imagery, metaphors, personification, similes ETC ETC to construct characters and convert their message

monologue

a long and important speech by 1 character in a play. uninterrupted and heard by other characters

morality play

a story which can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning typically a political or moral one (inspector calls is one as all of the characters commit crimes liek the 7 deadly sins)

real time

when the stage time is real time. the actions are revealed in real time. (happens in inspector calls making their ✨downfall✨ more ✨dramatic✨ and shows how quickly the world crumbles 🤌)

tension

a dramatic devise used to create a sense of suspense to make the audience feel on edge. often done through dramatic irony and cliffhangers

well made play

a play with intricate and complex with lots of layers uncovers as the action holes until we reach the climax that so often shocking and dramatic