Monologue Plays; eLearning Deadline this Week!

This morning, please continue to work on your eLearning module 0. This module is due by the end of this week. Please attempt to complete it by then. Use the time in the lab to complete classwork and the assignments in Module 0. There is also some reading to do for Friday's class.

For this unit we will continue to read a variety of monologue plays. This style of play is usually written for a single actor (although in some shows or productions there may be more than one actor) who either plays a single character or who plays several different characters. The style of this kind of play is similar to multiple narrative: where more than one character speaks in a unique voice to tell a story. 

CLASSWORK: In between working on your eLearning tasks, please read about "defining multiple narrative structures" (these concerning film narrative specifically, but the idea can be applied to stage plays and fiction as well), and be prepared to define classical unified narrative, story (fabula) and plot (syuzet) in multiple narrative structures, separated multiple narratives, integrated double narrative structures, and semi-multiple narratives. Use the graphic organizer to take notes and define each narrative structure, but also try to come up with film and/or novel examples using the different structures. Yes, this will take some thought. Use your brain or it will atrophy. 

Why is this important? You are a creative writing major. Own it. These are your tools for narrative stories. You need to know them and how they work.

Some help: If you are having trouble, multiple narrative can be defined by a story, film, or play's:

1. Structure & Sequence: the order of the events in the story can be linear, non-linear, or occur simultaneously. The First Part Last, for example, used sequence in alternating chapters by alternating time. This device was what made the novel have an interesting contemporary structure.

2. POV (Point of View): narrative can switch between characters to include a variety of character VOICES (voice). Sometimes POV changes between 1st person POV to 3rd person or between 1st person and another 1st person narrator, as in the novels Mudbound, Fugitive Pieces, As I Lay Dying, Ethan Frome or Frankenstein.

3. Tense: changing verb tense between past and present tenses is another way to signal multiple narrative structures. First Part Last, for example, or The Book Thief use this gimmick.

Narrative structure

1. One event, multiple perspective: one storyline focusing on a single event, but many characters tell their side of the story, each involved in the event in some significant way.

2. One story, multiple perspective: one storyline or plot, but many characters tell their own version of the story. Similar to one event, one story allows greater freedom and scope as it does not focus on ONE EVENT, but a series of events that make up a plot.

3. Multiple stories, multiple perspective (intertwined): for example Rattlebone, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, American Born Chinese, etc. Various characters tell a story from various points of view, but usually these are thematically linked. Consider Talking With as a good example of this.

4. Parallel stories: two or more stories going on, usually taking place in two or more different time periods (then and now, for example, First Part Last) or The Hours (3 intertwining stories); usually the parallel stories cross at some point.

Whether you are taking playwriting or contemporary writers, knowing that you have an option when it comes to narrative structure can be rewarding. Learn it, know it: Own it.

HOMEWORK: 

1. Read about Eve Ensler. She is a contemporary playwright, actor, and writer. Find 3 things about Eve Ensler that you find interesting or important as regards contemporary writers, playwriting, or just about her life. Prepare to hand in you 3 things on Wednesday, September 18.

2. Please read The Vagina Monologues for Friday, September 20. Packets of this play will be provided to you in class. Please note that this a rather excellent, pop culture, contemporary work. It does require some maturity to read it. If you are unable to handle the subject material, please see me for an alternative assignment.