the stage directions cannot be singled
out as the only indication of this
transformation. We have to discover
the transformation in the dialogue too.
Once again, Miss Helen ends up saying
that she “won’t be needing” (p.73) the
application form anymore as she “can’t
reduce her world to a few ornaments
in a small room in an old-age home”
(p. 73). It is difficult to imagine that
this is the same woman who pleaded
with Elsa not to abandon her because
she will sign the form.
Remember, if you understand and
know your terminology, you need to
practise how to apply it. Some of the
basic terms mentioned in the previous
paragraph are “stage directions”,
“dialogue”’, “monologue”. You should
already know what these mean as
your teacher will supply you with the
relevant terminology. If not, you will
have to do some research on the
literary terms for drama. Know what
their functions are and apply them
accordingly. My focus for this article
was more on stage directions.
Another very important aspect
in First Language is the use of
language in a literary work. Here we
are specifically looking at the use of
imagery (symbolism of light, metaphor
of patience, etc.)
When you are requested to write
an assignment, you will receive a
specific topic. Always tackle it by
looking at various themes and topics.
This will widen your perspective
when you approach your own topic.
Subsequently, only considering your
own topic may lead to a tunnelvisioned approach which may be too
single-minded. Remember, all the
themes are intrinsically linked to
one another; therefore they cannot
be discussed without somehow
considering other themes.