Renaissance Drama Reading Flashcard

Front

What was the most common Elizabethan stage design?

Back

Thrust stage design was the most common during the Elizabethan era, allowing the audience to view the performance from three sides.

Front

Define 'proscenium stage'.

Back

A proscenium stage is a type of stage where the audience faces one side of the stage, with a framed opening (the proscenium arch) separating the stage from the audience.

Front

What is a 'theater in the round'?

Back

Theater in the round is a stage design where the audience surrounds the stage on all sides, providing a 360-degree view of the performance.

Front

Explain the significance of the Globe Theatre.

Back

The Globe Theatre was a key venue for Shakespeare's plays, representing the height of Elizabethan theatre and its cultural importance.

Front

What role did the audience play in Elizabethan drama?

Back

The audience was highly interactive, often engaging with the actors and influencing the performance through their reactions.

Front

Define 'soliloquy'.

Back

A soliloquy is a dramatic monologue where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, often used to reveal inner feelings and motivations.

Front

What is the purpose of a 'prologue' in a play?

Back

A prologue serves as an introduction to the play, providing context and setting the stage for the audience.

Front

Identify a key characteristic of Elizabethan comedy.

Back

Elizabethan comedy often includes mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and humorous situations, leading to a happy resolution.

Front

What is 'iambic pentameter'?

Back

Iambic pentameter is a metrical pattern in poetry consisting of five iambs (unstressed-stressed syllables) per line, commonly used in Shakespeare's works.

Front

Explain the term 'tragic hero'.

Back

A tragic hero is a central character in a tragedy who possesses noble qualities but is ultimately brought down by a tragic flaw or fate.