CSEC ENGLISH
Hello there! We understand that CXC is hoping to run off the CSEC exams starting in May, so please plan to be ready by then. That means getting your study timetable sorted now! Aim to have read your English B texts through again before then. Last week we started looking at dramatic devices, and we will continue with that project today. And, of course, we have exercises to help you with English A too. Read on now, and enjoy your CXC English page!
ENGLISH B—Dramatic Devices
Here are some dramatic devices you could look for in the play you are studying:
● Movement and grouping of characters
● Stage setting and lighting
● Sound effects (music, telephone ringing, gunshots, etc.) ● Costumes and props
● Retaining or breaking down the ‘fourth wall’
We will draw our examples today from The Tempest. At another time we will trace the dramatic devices in Ti Jean.
As you re-read the play, take careful note of the stage directions, because you will notice that they frequently mention music or singing. Sound effects are actually very important in The Tempest.
We start off with the noises of a ship in a storm—creaking and cracking; timbers falling; chains rattling; orders being shouted; screams of terror; barked commands; rumbling of thunder and cracks of lightning. The sounds we hear suggest DISORDER. Authority is being challenged, and CHAOS is the result.
In contrast, the next scene, with Miranda and Prospero talking together outside his cave, is amazingly calm and quiet and peaceful. There is ORDER here. We learn that Prospero has set free the creative spirit, Ariel, and is disciplining Caliban, who represents the worst in humankind: lust, hatred, revenge, murder, laziness and (as we will soon see) drunkenness. The ORDER that Prospero establishes when he is in charge ensures that creative energy is nurtured and set free, while the worse traits in humanity are kept in check.
Notice that Ariel’s tasks are carried out to the accompaniment of sweet music, suggesting that Prospero, through Ariel, is bringing ORDER and HARMONY to the relationships on the island.
Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo, in contrast, have a kind of music, but it’s a raucous, rum-shop kind of singing, no doubt accompanied by hiccups and stumbling, and the lyrics are not uplifting at all! Even music is degraded by them.
The grandest scene in the play is the masque in which Prospero is able to bring down three goddesses from ‘heaven’ to bless the young couple. Music here is stately and dignified, suited to the arrival of the queen of the gods. When the goddesses have spoken their blessings, villagers in the form of shepherds, reapers and farmers dance with nymphs. The music is joyful but the dancing is described as ‘graceful’. The sound effect of the music creates a mood of reverence and dignity for the blessings, and then of joyful gratitude as the reapers celebrate the prosperous harvest made possible by the ORDER and HARMONY in a society correctly ruled.
Just as the wicked plots to kill Prospero and Alonzo have been thwarted, and peace, mercy and forgiveness now take over, so the fearful noises of the storm and the vulgar songs of drunken, lawless sailors give way to a delightful music that is divinely inspired. In a word, the sound effect of music actually reinforces the message of the play—that order, discipline and just leadership will lead to a prosperous and harmonious society.
RULES OF PUNCTUATION
A semi colon is used instead of a full stop to join two independent clauses that are similar in thought.
Look at these examples: ● ●
Monique is very athletic; her brother is good at music.
Exercising is good for your health; it helps you to sleep well too.
Here the writer could have used a full stop, but he chose a semi-colon instead because both parts of the sentence were on the same subject.
Now look at these examples:
● We arrived late for the meeting; however, we were able to have a good talk with the main speaker.
● The children were sad to find that the creek had dried up; nevertheless, they were able to have a great time playing cricket and climbing trees.
●
Marcelle took excellent care of her sick grandmother; indeed, she clearly has the makings of a very gifted nurse.
Again, the writer has joined two sentences to make them into one. Notice the words however, nevertheless, indeed. And notice the comma after each of them.
Rule: Once two independent clauses are brought together to make one sentence, a semi-colon must be used to join them.
TRY IT
Each of the incomplete words here contains the letter sequence IT. Use the definitions to help you find them, and then check the end of the page for the answers.
1. IT_ _ _ _ _ - Letters in slanted type
2. _ IT_ _ _ _ _ - Needed in your diet
3. _ _ IT _ _ _ _ - To chip wood with a knife
4. _ _ _IT_ _ - One who betrays
5. _ _ _ _ IT_ - Service such as water or electricity
6. _ _ _ _ IT_ - Notwithstanding
7. IT_ _ _ _ _ - List separately
8. _ IT _ _ _ _ - Locate in place
9. _ _ _ IT _ _ - Guest
10. _ _ _ _ IT _ - Pull from earth’s centre
11. _ _ _ _IT_ -Wood eater
12. _IT_ _ _ _ - Large jug
USING THE PAST PERFECT TENSE
To form the past perfect tense of the verb, use the past tense of the verb have plus the past participle: e.g. I had taken, you had spent, he had walked.