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A Functional-Stylistic Approach to Stage Directions
- Author(s):
- Patrice Quammie-Wallen (see profile)
- Date:
- 2021
- Group(s):
- Digital Humanists, English Literature, Literary theory, Narrative Studies, Textual Scholarship
- Subject(s):
- Language and languages--Style, Functionalism (Linguistics), Drama, Theaters--Stage-setting and scenery, Aristotle
- Item Type:
- Article
- Tag(s):
- Stage directions, transitivity, stylistic analysis, elements of drama, Stylistics, Functional linguistics, Dramatic theory, Dramatic literature, Theatre design
- Permanent URL:
- http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/cdd4-g782
- Abstract:
- This interdisciplinary research is twofold: it addresses the dearth of investigation into stage directions as blueprint of production, as well as the lack of functional stylistic analysis of the same. A functional approach to stage directions can decode meaning back to behaviour- a poignant principle of functional grammar when applied to what is enacted text. The transitivity profile of the full complement of stage directions of the English play "Lady Audley’s Secret" illustrates the plot-crafting experientiality fluctuations across the dramatic arc, as well as the transitivity configurations underlying complex characters and character archetypes. Material, Verbal and Behavioural processes, as well as circumstances of Location, Quality and Means are the most common in this register. Transitivity process analysis in this research reveals the systematic 'how' behind the 'what' English stage directions do across literature, performance, and production, while demonstrating the stylistic advantage of analyzing whole texts rather than excerpts. Furthermore, an otherwise rare overview of this register in the English language is afforded in terms that is intelligible to both drama and theatre, and provides a useful teaching approach to playwriting, character study, and studying plays.
- Notes:
- Version 7. Completed 06 April 2021. Minor language edits to 18 April 2021.
- Metadata:
- xml
- Status:
- Published
- Last Updated:
- 2 years ago
- License:
- Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
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