How to Interpret a Theatrical Play from a Literary Perspective

So, you're taking a literature class and you have to write a paper. But here's the catch: you're analyzing a play, not a novel. Maybe you've done this before or maybe you have but didn't earn the A+ you wanted. Never fear; literary advice is here!

Whether you're reading a piece by Shakespeare or Sarah Ruhl, there are questions you should always ask yourself about a play. And, if you're lucky, those questions may just lead you in the right direction for your paper. Once you have a topic, you can develop a solid thesis---and a good thesis almost always results in a good paper. A good thesis with the right evidence will result in a great paper, which is obviously your goal.

Here are tips for interpreting a theatrical play from a literary perspective (along with potential topics for your paper!):

Read the entire play: If you want to write a fantastic paper, remember that details can make or break you. So if you haven't read the play closely, your vagueness will make that fact pretty obvious to almost any professor. Sparknotes and other cheat sheets may be useful in supplementing your reading of a play but they should never serve as a substitute. You'll regret not having read the play the night before your paper's due when you're staring at a blank computer screen. Depending on the length, depth, and content of the play, you may consider reading it two, three, or even four times. At least skim it once after reading it thoroughly the first time because it's easy to forget little details. Try comparing this play to another you read in the class, focusing on one or two particular elements, such as the use of direct address in each piece.

Take notes: In this regard, studying a play is like studying a novel. Look for reoccurring themes, symbols, motifs, etc. Highlight repeated words or phrases and ask yourself why they're repeated. Is there some kind of symbolic significance? Also keep in mind syntax, diction, and tone. Why does the playwright write the stage directions using the words that he or she did? Why are some lines shorter than others? Is the play's language casual or formal or does it depend? Why do certain characters speak a specific way? What is each character's tone like? For your paper, try tracing the evolution of one symbol in the play and what the significance of that symbol is to the play as a whole.

Study the production notes: Consider why the playwright left the director specific instructions. Are the production notes fairly simple or are they very restrictive? How would leaving out the notes change the nature of the play? You could use those two questions as a focus for your paper.

Pick apart each character: Notice the exact name, age, occupation, and personality of each character. How does each character contribute to the play? How would the play be different if certain characters were missing? How does one character compare to another? Why are those distinctions important, assuming they are? What is each character's motive and does s/he achieve his/her goal in the end? How does each character evolve from the beginning to the end of the play? Maybe you should write your paper answering this question: out of the entire cast of characters, whose play is it?

Research the historical context: Find out when the play was actually written and the time period in which it's set (the two may be the same or they may differ.) What evidence of a historical time frame is there in the play? Do the characters speak or behave in a certain way that makes their historical period obvious? Does the time period matter? How would the play differ if it were set in another era? For your paper, you might consider writing about why or why not it's difficult for modern audience members to relate to the play. Does the historical period seem to hinder the play's message?

Research the playwright: Sometimes understanding who the playwright was by having some basic background information will help you better understand the context of the play. Ask yourself several questions: What other plays did this person write? Is this play similar to the others by this writer or distinctive somehow? You might try writing your paper about how elements of the writer's life and upbringing are present in the play and why those elements are important to the plot. Be careful that you don't make too many assumptions, though; try to rake up as many concrete examples of parallels between the writer's biography and the play as possible. Dwell on too many abstractions and you're probably doomed.

Imagine how you would direct the play: After you've read the play and done your research, think about how you would present it on stage. What physical type would you cast for each actor? What kinds of costumes would you choose? How would you decorate the stage? What about lighting and music? What are the other possible ways to present the play, based upon the playwright's production notes? Perhaps you could write your paper about how you would direct the play to best represent your interpretation and why.

Watch the play live: If you see at least one live performance of the play, you can compare your interpretation of the play to the director's. See where your interpretations overlap and where they overlap. Why do you think the director chose a certain physical type for a character or called for certain lighting? Do those choices change how you envisioned a character or a setting? Why do those choices make a difference? Do you like or dislike the director's choices? You can also check out a movie version of the play if it's available. You might even try watching the live version and the movie version and compare or contrast them as your paper's topic.