Amadeus: structure

Structure Overview

“Amadeus” by Peter Shaffer utilizes a two-act structure, with each act containing a series of interlinked scenes.
Framing device: The play starts and ends with the elderly Salieri’s monologues, thus framing the narrative and controlling its perspective.
Although the play takes place over several years, time in the play is non-linear. Scenes from the past and present are interwoven, with significant use of flashbacks and anachronisms.

The mise-en-abyme technique: A story within a story is used where Salieri narrates Mozart’s story within his own.
Subplots such as Salieri’s crisis of faith and Mozart’s marital difficulties are seamlessly intertwined with the main plot of artistic rivalry which adds layers of complexity to the structure.
Parallelism: Despite their differences, the lives of Salieri and Mozart are presented in parallel, often contrasted and compared, leading to a deeper understanding of their characters and motivations.

Shaffer makes strong use of dramatic irony in the structure of the play, as the audience is privy to Salieri’s manipulations while Mozart and others remain oblivious.
Foreshadowing is frequently used to suggest the upcoming tragic events and heighten audience anticipation. Salieri’s initial confession of murder serves this purpose.
Crisis points are strategically placed to create peaks in the dramatic tension, such as Mozart’s worsening health conditions, his financial problems and Salieri’s increasing resentment.

Throughout, the structure of the play is enriched by the use of Mozart’s music. It not only sets the mood for the scenes but also serves as a device to underline the emotional progression or climactic moments.
The music also helps develop Mozart’s character and signifies his genius while conveying his emotions, thoughts, and life events.