Question:
Performance Aspect of Drama and Poetry
All literature involves some kind of performance which is intended for an audience. Sometimes, however, the performative quality of a work (i.e., the fact that it is being presented to an audience) is more obvious than through others. Drama and poetry, for example, tend to emphasize overt performance more than short stories, which are read silently and in solitude more frequently.
How is the more direct performative aspect of drama and/or poetry reflected in these forms? Consider, for example, each genre's uses of literary structure, language, technique, and style. How do these literary elements affect your reading experience?
In your answer, identify key qualities of drama and poetry that emphasize their performative qualities. Discuss how these characteristics shape your reading response. Support your views with at least one example of a dramatic text and one example of a poem.