Just as narrative and poetry have their own particular structure, so it is with drama. The three genres share one level of structure, referred to as la estructura externa, which reflects el plano textual in that the texts are organized by parts. Theater incorporates another level of structure referred to as la estructura de la acción dramática, which is based on el plano espectacular and focuses on how the dramatic work unfolds. All of the elements you have explored in this chapter have a role in the construction of these two levels of structure.

Task 1. Scan and Confirm.

1.			Scan the first paragraph and the two numbered paragraphs on page 247 of the text and highlight the phrases that confirm the preceding statements about the structure of theater. Would you add anything to these phrases?

Task 2. Complete Chart. The way in which the structure of a dramatic text is divided depends upon the rise and fall of the intensity of the emotions or perceptions evoked by the action. Determine the function of each of the structural components presented in paragraphs (a) through (d) on page 247 of the text, and enter that information into the following chart.

The chart is a .pdf file; you will need the Adobe Acrobat reader to view it and print it out.

2.			Chart (64.0K)

Task 3. Highlight. Using your course syllabus as a guide, scan the sections on pages 248-251 of the text and highlight all of the dramatic selections you are assigned to read. Also highlight one or two phrases that explain the importance or significance of each selection. You will refer to this section again in the Stages and Strategies for Reading Drama.

Task 4. Test Yourself. Before you continue, make sure that you can answer the following questions without referring to your notes.

3.			Re-create from memory the graphic organizer you created in Task 4 of Análisis del teatro. Then check your answers and fill in any gaps.
4.			Define the following terminology, being as specific as possible: el plano textual, el diálogo, los personajes, el espectador, las acotaciones, el plano espectacular. Variation: With your study group, brainstorm definitions for each of these dramatic terms.
5.			Working alone or with your study group, draw the diagram that represents el código comunicativo teatral and relate the components to the communicative code for the narrative. Remember to include the arrows in your diagram.
6.			What is el proceso dialógico? (Hint: five levels of communication)
7.			Re-create the visual representation of the five levels of communication that make up the proceso dialógico in theater that you created in Task 5 of IVa. Plano textual o literario.
8.			Explain the differences between el diálogo directo and el diálogo indirecto.
9.			Elaborate on the following formula: actor + texto = personaje.
10.			What do the authors mean by the statement "el espectador se integra al espectáculo como un observador participante"?
11.			What is the role of el texto secundario?
12.			List and define the different components of the textual structure (la trama) of a play. What determines where each one begins and ends?

Task 5. Practice.

13.			Individually or with your study group, do the Práctica section that begins on page 251 of the text. Remember to discuss how you determine the answers.