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Post by FlameMaster5 on Feb 21, 2007 18:19:38 GMT -5
I have been reading a play called "Death and The King's Horseman" for Theatre class and now I must do a play analysis. This may take a few days, I don't know, but I gotta finish whenever I can. this is really long and very hard to understand, but I'll do my best. ^_^ NOTE: additions will be in RED. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLAY ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT - THE 1000 Action and Exposition:The plot of the play is weaved together by sequence of events, character actions and dialogue. The events that occur in the play create dialogue between characters and they give various pieces of information: past events or experiences, thoughts or feelings, future advice or intentions, etc. This allows the play to move forward smoothly. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'll have to add more later because I have to re-read most of it, if not all. So, I'll be later. If you can, check out this play on the net. It's very interesting. :] |
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Post by FlameMaster5 on Feb 23, 2007 17:47:32 GMT -5
Btw, there are questions I'm answering specifically, so that may be why my answers don't really make sense to you. Just thought I'd let you all know... XD ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLAY ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT - THE 1000 Action & Exposition:The plot of the play is weaved together by sequence of events, character actions and dialogue. The events that occur in the play create dialogue between characters and they give various pieces of information: past events or experiences, thoughts or feelings, future advice or intentions, etc. This allows the play to move forward smoothly. Protagonist & Antagonist:
Elesin is a top protagonist. As the king's horseman, Elesin must accompany the king in the afterlife by commiting suicide. He is eventually thrown in jail by the District Officer, who tries to prevent Elesin from carrying out his duties. However, his son Olunde takes his place. When Elesin sees his son dead, he strangles himself with a chain to join him. I believe Elesin's acts of loyalty to the king, determination to carry out his duties and his love for Olunde truly makes him a protagonist in this play.
Olunde is a top protagonist. If the king dies, then his horseman must accompany him in the afterlife. Afterwards, a new king would rise and so would a new horseman. Being Elesin's first-born, Olunde would take his father's place as the new horseman of the king. However, long before the events in the play occurs, the District Officer sent Olunde across seas to England to prevent the young man from becoming a horseman--he simply didn't want Olunde commiting suicide for a king since he didn't believe in such a religion. Olunde studied medicine in England, as well as learned many other things. Yet, when the king passed away, the District Officer sent a letter to the young man, but only just to inform him. Olunde knew his culture well and foresaw his father's passing. He returned and was going to bury his father, Elesin. When Elesin was arrested by the District Officer, however, Olunde took his father's place and committed suicide to join the king instead. I believe Olunde's loyalty to the king, his love for his father and his courage to take his own life for the sake of their religion makes him a top protagonist.
Simon Pilkings is a top antagonist. Pilkings doesn't agree with the ritual of Elesin's king; therefore, he feels the need to prevent Elesin from committing suicide. As the District Officer, Pilkings and his police officers arrest Elesin and throw him in jail. Yet, when Olunde is brought to the prison dead, Elesin quickly strangles himself before Pilkings and the guards could stop him. I believe Pilkings is a top antagonist for his narrow-minded ways, his interferences and for attempting to turn Olunde against his own father.
Bob is a top antagonist. Being the Aide-De-Camp, Bob joins Simon Pilkings and attempts to stop the riot of women in the market. Eventually, however, he joins Pilkings in the arrest of Elesin and they take him to to jail. I believe Bob is a top antagonist for his own interferences and alliance with Pilkings.
Objectives of Main Characters:
Elesin's objective is to carry out the ritual of his religion. As the horseman, he must accompany the king in the afterlife. In my opinion, Elesin's objective seems to change towards the end as he takes his life after his son's death. It makes me as if he does this to be with his son, not to carry out his previous duties.
Olunde's objective is to bury his father after the ritual. Yet, when Elesin is arrested, that objective changes. Olunde then secretly takes his own life to fulfill the beliefs of his people and to do what his father couldn't.
Simon Pilkings' objectives is to prevent an uproar while the Prince is visiting and strengthen security. The ritual requires drums and chanting, and Pilkings is set on having everything ended. The cause of the commotion is celebrating Elesin's duty; therefore, Pilkings feels the need to put an stop to it. He has Elesin arrested to prevent him from committing suicide.
Bob's objective is to follow the Resident and Simon Pilkings' orders. The Aide-De-Camp is ordered to deal with a riot of women by placing police officers around the Prince's visiting place. Later, of course, he helps Pilkings arrest Elesin and is there to witness the last events of the play.
Obstacles of Major Characters:
Elesin's obstacle is Simon Pilkings. The District Officer has him thrown in jail and this prevents him from carrying out his religious duties.
Olunde's obstacles are both Simon Pilkings and his wife Jane. The Pilkingses, knowing Olunde well, attempt to persuade the young man against letting his father commit suicide for the sake of a religion and a dead king. They also try to turn Olunde against Elesin and his entire culture.
Simon Pilking's obstacle is Elesin. While the Prince is visiting, the District Officer wants everything at peace. Elesin disturbes the peace, in his opinion, and he decides to deal with the matters himself. He has Elesin arrested and attempts to prevent him from commiting suicide for the sake of His Majesty and his own pride.
Bob's obstacle is also Elesin. The Aide-De-Camp is under the orders of the Resident and Simon Pilkings. They both want peace, which Elesin disrupts with his duties. Bob then must deal with the riot and Elesin both to please the Resident and District Officer.
Ideas & Themes:
The cultural practices and social philosophies explored in this play are: self-sacrifices, ritual music, chanting, dancing, a masque, Catholic, Moslem, clothing and view point of authority figures.
Visual & Aural Elements:
The staging of this play would be influenced by the the visual and audio elements such as: a verandah, the breaking flower pot, batons, prison keys, shackles, chains, drumming, tango music and chanting.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINALLY I'M DONE!! @_@ TOOK FOREVER!!!!! Ok, time to check it and print out so I can turn this in Tuesday. Phew... My brian hurts now. ~_~ |
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