A Day in the Death of Joe Egg: structure

Structure of the Play

Two-Act Division

“A Day in the Death of Joe Egg” is structured into two distinct acts, and this division is essential for the progression of the narrative.

Act One

Act One introduces the audience to the main characters and their complex relationships, primarily focusing on the couple, Bri and Sheila, and their severely disabled child.
The act is spent establishing the couples routine and interactions with Joe, revealing their use of humour as a coping mechanism.
This act sets the tone of the tragi-comic style of the play, incorporating monologues, direct audience addresses, and satirical play-acts.

Act Two

Act Two brings in additional characters and more external conflict. It marks an escalation in the tension of the plot, focusing on the couple’s dissolving mental state and their strained relationship.
The abrupt introduction of Bri’s elderly mother, Grace, her friend Pam and her young husband Freddie, serve to provide external viewpoints and raise questions about the handling of the situation, leading to Bri and Sheila’s climatic confrontation.
Act Two ends on an unsettling note, achieving a balance between closure and ambiguity.

Scene Transitions

Nichols uses unique scene transitions that incorporate absurdism and Brechtian techniques; scenes often conclude with blackouts or music, adding an element of defamiliarization.

Monologues

The play features several introspective monologues by Bri and Sheila, offering deeper insight into their thoughts and emotions. These monologues also serve to break up the action and keep the audience critically engaged.

Dual Narratives

A dual narrative structure can be observed, with the couple’s real-time story being interspersed with elaborate re-enactments of past events, demonstrating a satirical critique of societal attitudes.

By understanding the structure of “A Day in the Death of Joe Egg”, it is possible to appreciate how Nichols uses it to tackle difficult subjects in a unique and persuasive way.