The Theory and Analysis of Drama

Manfred Pfister (Author), John Halliday (Translated by)

9780521423830, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 October 1991

360 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.3 cm, 0.52 kg

' … a detailed and sophisticated description of [dramatic] structures and textualisation … stimulating and thought-provoking throughout … The material in the book is laid out in exemplary form … The rigour, compression and control of the text sets a good example to follow.' Theatre Notebook

Manfred Pfister's book is the first to provide a coherent and comprehensive framework for the analysis of plays in all their dramatic and theatrical dimensions. The materical on which his analysis is based covers all genres and periods of drama, from Greek tragedy and comedy to the contemporary theatre, with the plays of Shakespeare providing a special focus. His approach is not historical but systematic, combining more abstract categorisations with detailed and concrete interpretations of specific sample texts. An extensive international bibliography of relevant theatre and drama studies further enhances the practical value of the book.

Preface
Translator's note
A note on the English edition
1. Drama and the dramatic
2. Drama and the theatre
3. Sending and receiving information
4. Verbal communication
5. Dramatis personae and dramatic figures
6. Story and plot
7. Structures of time and space
Concluding note
Notes
Bibliography
Index of authors.

Subject Areas: Literary theory [DSA]