The Love of the Nightingale: structure

The Love of the Nightingale: structure

Structure - The Love of the Nightingale

Introduction

• “The Love of the Nightingale” is arranged in a non-linear manner, employing a variety of tableaus, flashbacks, and direct narration. This composition greatly enhances the play’s dramatic effect.

Act Structure

• The play is divided into two Acts with multiple scenes within each Act. The actions go back and forth between different settings, characters and timelines.

Non-Linear Timeline

• There is a non-linear timeline where past and future events are narrated concurrently. This reflects the concept of myth being timeless, with stories being told and re-told throughout generations.

Flashbacks

• Wertenbaker uses flashbacks strategically to show past events or implied events. This enhances the understanding of current events or the implications for future events in the drama.

Dramatic Irony

• The play applies dramatic irony effectively by disclosing some information to the audience well before revealing it to the characters. This technique elevates intensity and anticipation.

Direct Addresses

• Characters frequently directly address the audience, recounting their stories or expressing their thoughts. This breaks the fourth wall and makes the audience part of the drama.

Actors Playing Multiple Characters

• Same actors often play multiple characters, which can be challenging but enhances the dramatic effect and keeps the audience engaged.

Wrapping up

• Wertenbaker uses the clever mix of these structure elements to constantly keep the audience engaged, maintain suspense, and to eloquently narrate the powerful story.