Reference no: EM133194382
Discussion Post: Time Stands Still
I. Identify and support the dramatic structural elements of: exposition, protagonist, antagonist, inciting incident, conflict, crisis, climax and denouement.
II. What do you think the theme of the play is? Remember, a theme in dramatic literature does not identify plot or characters, but is the overall message of the play. And it is a complete statement, meaning that a noun or a single word ‘descriptor' could be a general subject, but is not a theme.
III. What would you support as the correct genre classification for this play? Why
IV. The New York Times, when the play first opened in 2010, said "the new play explores the relationship between two couples at a crucial juncture in their lives, when the desire to move forward clashes with the instinct to stay comfortably - or even uncomfortably - in place". Use the script, and analysis of the characters and relationships in the script, to support this statement.
V. The play explores the ethics of remaining an impartial chronicler (as in journalism) in the face of human suffering. Which characters explore this, and what is their stance? What do we learn about their emotional and intellectual conflicts on this? What do you think about this point of view?
VI. John Simon, a major NYC critic, has said, about Margulies's importance as a playwright: "Margulies is remarkable because he's not simplistic. The trend now is to couch a very simplistic point of view in a sort of symbolic, absurdist, fantastical garb. Margulies cloaks things in nothing. He gives them to you as he sees them, but as he sees them very carefully and conscientiously and thoughtfully observed, from all sides." Think about this, and apply this, to Time Stands Still. Be specific in your assertions, using moments and quotes from the script to support your point(s) of view.
VII. What do you think the last moments and title say about the script? State your opinion, and use examples from the script to support.