Key scene questions

[charisemcintosh]

This is a stupid question, but how do you actually structure a key scene essay?

[mrcaldicott]

Let's take Act 4 as our 'key scene', and say the question is "Choose a play in which the dramatist creates tension within a key scene. Show how the tension is created and explain how it makes the scene more effective."

You would begin with your usual two paragraphs of i) 'refer to key terms of question' and ii) 'Brief background of the play; linked to question', then I'll just cut and paste the work we did in class on Act 4 two weeks ago:

1) First indication of tension in Act 4: p110-111; Parris reveals that Abigail has stolen his money and vanished. Tense because her departure looks suspicious. Links to themes of guilt; deception; manipulation.

2) Next moment that increases the tension in Act 4:
Parris fears a 'riot' in Salem if Rebecca Nurse and Proctor are hanged- 'these people have great weight in the town'. Links to themes of mass hysteria; evil; fear.

3) Tension is increased hugely when Hale urges Elizabeth to persuade Proctor to confess to witchcraft, to 'give his lie'. This is a minister of God advocating lying - shocking. HALE '...it may well be God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride' Shows desperation and Hale's feeling that the 'religious authorities' have got it wrong. Links to themes of hypocrisy; religion; doubt.

4) Next tense development; after E speaks to P and admits her 'coldness', she forgives him and wants him to forgive himself. Intense love, deep emotion & heartache shown here. Tense - what will Proctor do? He agrees to confess: 'I want my life' (p120) Seems that all the tension is relieved, but... (Links to theme of integrity - or lack of!)

5) Several factors combine to nag at P's conscience (see your notes - VITALLY IMPORTANT!) Tension increases again with each guilty, fearful blow to P's integrity, until: 'I have given you my soul, leave me my name!' Then analyse importance of name, anguish/turmoil of Proctor. He tears the paper, restores his integrity. Loses life but gains self-respect - 'I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor'' (Hanged as a witch so debatable whether he re-gains reputation)

6) Tension climaxes with the drumroll - P is hanged off stage, curtain closes. Audience left shocked and emotionally drained. Tragic but satisfying ending - P's moral victory eventually led to the power of theocracy being broken.

7) Conclusion - the scene is more effective because of the dramatic tension that Miller skilfully builds up until the tragic climax. He also makes us sympathise with Proctor and so the reversal of his decision to confess is deeply shocking and traumatic, but strangely uplifting at the same time.

The reason this is so detailed is to cater for the 'adrenaline junkies' in the exam who will (believe it or not) be able to pump out 5-6 sides of A4 per essay. You do not need to do this much - it's quality not quantity remember, and a good pass can and has been gained with 3 sides. Paragraphs 1-3 above are non-essential, but add immensely to the richness of the answer. I would argue some exploration of paragraphs 4-6 above is essential in an essay of this kind. Another note: the knowledge of this scene, structured as above, fits many more 'key scene' questions than just that of 'tension'. For example, uncertainty, guilt, love, integrity, anger, even 'good vs evil'.

Hope that helps! I welcome any more questions

[charisemcintosh]

Thankyou.