Methods Used to Introduce the Exposition and Hold the...

In Act 1 Scene 1, Shakespeare introduces setting, characters, themes and plot to explain what is happening and to grab the audience’s attention, as well as laying the ground for the rest of play. He also uses literary techniques to make his play more interesting. Shakespeare also does this through the language and style of his writings he gives to the individual characters, and also the very few stage directions. Shakespeare had very restricted assets to work with, and so needed his actors and speeches to work for him. His language gives us clues as to how the characters should act and how they should project their personalities to create a sense of realism. The first scene is important in catching and holding the attention of an audience†¦show more content†¦Shakespeare uses alliteration as a literary technique in speeches by the Master and the Boatswain. In Act 1 Scene 1 Shakespeare writes, ‘take in the topsail’. This here is already having an effect on the audience because it creates tension and suspense, making them anxious and nervous as to what is going to happen next. Both characters try to remain calm, but the use of alliteration catches the attention of the audience. This has the effect of highlighting certain phrases and it also draws attention to the particular words used. Another literary technique is the use of imperatives. For instance, when the Boatswain says ‘Hence!’ to the lords, he is telling them to get out of the way. He orders them to stop talking, ‘Silence!’ which seems to stun Gonzalo, who does not challenge him. This has the effect of emphasising how urgent the situation is. Shakespeare introduces the theme of challenge to authority through the speech of the Boatswain. When the lords come on deck, the Boatswain speaks rudely to them. For instance, he mocks the importance of the king: ‘What cares these roarers for the name of the king?’ The audience now knows that the normal hierarchy is not being kept to, and can expect this theme to be developed in the play. Gonzalo reminds the Boatswain of the important status of his passengers. However the Boatswain replies as if Gonzalo, the king and the lords are his equal in status. Another example is when the Boatswain orders the lords below.Show MoreRelatedANALIZ TEXT INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS28843 Words   |  116 Pagespsychological as well as external and physical. In order for a plot to begin, some kind of catalyst is necessary. An existing equilibrium or stasis must be broken that will generate a sequence of events, provide direction to the plot, and focus the attention of the reader. Most plots originate in some significant conflict. The conflict may be either external, when the protagonist (also referred to as the focal character) is pitted against some object outside himself, or internal, in which case the issue