2.1.1

Writing About the Text as a Playscript

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Writing About the Text as a Playscript

The most effective way to address Assessment Objective 2 (AO2) (commenting upon form, structure and language) is to consider the text as a play, a text intended to be performed in theatres.

Innovative dramatic techniques

Innovative dramatic techniques

  • The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is famed for its innovative use of dramatic techniques which are intended to create an immersive experience for audiences.
  • Lighting, music, video projections, sound effects, dance and other devices are all used to create a theatrical experience that tries to create a world as seen from the viewpoint of a teenager with Asperger Syndrome.
Example -

Example -

  • The most recent National Theatre production warned its audience that the production contained “strobe lighting, smoke effects, high-intensity video and light effects and loud sound effects” which may not be suitable for all audience members.
Use the stage directions

Use the stage directions

  • When writing about the text, try to refer to these dramatic elements of the play wherever relevant.
  • Stephens’ stage directions describe how some of these dramatic devices are used in the play.
  • His stage directions are a particularly useful starting point for helping you comment upon the writer’s methods.
Jump to other topics
1

Introduction & Context

1.1

Novel & Play

1.1.1Mark Haddon's Novel (2003)1.1.2Simon Stephens' Adaptions (2012)
1.2

Christopher's Autism

1.2.1Christopher's Autism1.2.2End of Topic Test - Introduction & Context
2

Form, Structure & Language

2.1

Dramatic Devices

2.1.1Writing About the Text as a Playscript2.1.2Dramatic Devices
2.2

Genre & Structure

2.2.1Genre2.2.2Structure
2.3

Language

2.3.1Language2.3.2End of Topic Test - Form, Structure & Language
3

Text Summary & Analysis

3.1

Part One

3.1.1Discovering the Dead Dog & Christopher's Autism3.1.2The Policeman & Siobhan3.1.3The Police Station & Ed's Entry3.1.4Mother's Death & Beginning the Investigation3.1.5Ed's Frustrations & Revisiting Mrs Alexander3.1.6Remembering Judy & "Fight" Scene3.1.7Judy's Letters3.1.8Ed's Confession3.1.9End of Topic Test - Part One3.1.10End of Topic Test - Part One 2
3.2

Part Two

3.2.1Preparing to Run Away & Train Station3.2.2On the Train & Arriving in London3.2.3On the Tube & Arriving at Judy's House3.2.4Policeman, Ed Visits & Tensions3.2.5Back in Swindon & New Beginnings3.2.6The End & Maths Appendix3.2.7End of Topic Test - Part Two3.2.8End of Topic Test - Part Two 2
4

Themes

4.1

Themes

4.1.1Independence4.1.2Parenting4.1.3Order & Disorder4.1.4End of Topic Test - Themes
5

Recap: Main Quotes

5.1

Part One - Quotes

5.1.1The Dead Dog & Christopher's Autism - Quotations5.1.2The Policeman & Siobhan - Quotations5.1.3The Police Station & Ed's Entry - Quotations5.1.4Mother's Death & Investigation - Quotations5.1.5Ed's Frustrations & Mrs Alexander - Quotations5.1.6Remembering Judy & "Fight" Scene - Quotations5.1.7Judy's Letters & Ed's Confession - Quotations
5.2

Part Two - Quotes

5.2.1Preparing to Run Away & Train Station - Quotations5.2.2On the Train & Arriving in London - Quotations5.2.3On the Tube & Judy's House - Quotations5.2.4Policeman, Ed Visits & Tensions - Quotations5.2.5Back in Swindon & New Beginnings - Quotations5.2.6The End & Maths Appendix - Quotations
5.3

Themes - Quotes

5.3.1Independence - Quotes5.3.2Parenting - Quotes5.3.3Order & Disorder - Quotes

Practice questions on Writing About the Text as a Playscript

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  1. 1
    What's the best way to consider the text in order to address Assessment Objective 2 (AO2)?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    What's a good starting point for commenting on the dramatic devices used in the play?Multiple choice
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End of Topic Test - Introduction & Context

Dramatic Devices