Scene analysis

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A scene analysis is a type of text analysis that is used in particular for theater plays that are divided into scenes .

A scene analysis is written according to a scheme and - depending on the level of detail - can be very complex. Essentially, a scene analysis can be divided into three sections: introduction, main part and conclusion. Furthermore, there is often an “overall classification of the content”. This is used to link the scene to be analyzed with the context of the play and all aspects important for the analysis.

Structure of a scene analysis

introduction

In the introduction, often also called the opening sentence, all fundamentally important information about the scene, but also about the entire work from which the scene originates, should be presented. Fundamentally important information includes: work title, author, year of publication, type of work (drama, comedy) and the subject of the work. An introduction also includes classifying the scene in the overall work. This is used so that the reader can understand all the events that are analyzed in the main part.

The length of the introduction can vary. Particular attention should be paid to conciseness when specifying the subject of the work.

Example of an introduction based on "Cabal and Love" (Friedrich Schiller)

Work title, author, year of publication or first performance and genre - also: the unit of time in the form of the position of the scene in the overall work - this will, however, be discussed in more detail in the contextual classification (see above).

"The ninth scene of the fourth act of the drama" Kabale und Liebe "premiered by Friedrich Schiller in 1784 is about [...]"

Rough information on the subject of the work (important: should not be too detailed!):

“[…] That Lady Milford wants to leave the Prince's court. [...] "

Unity of the person: This means that all persons who are involved are listed:

"[...] Lady Milford, a valet, Sophie, the court marshal and the lady's service are involved in the scene. [...] "

Unity of the scene: that is, where the scene takes place:

“[...] The scene is set in the Prince's palace. [...] "

Bulk

The actual analysis and interpretation takes place in the main part. The following principle applies here: reproduce content, set up (interpretative) thesis and substantiate it with the aid of the text. Evidence is attached to a scene analysis in the form of quotations. The analysis can be done in two ways:

  • Linear: work through and analyze the text step-by-step. This method is usually found to be easier, but has the disadvantage that it leaves the author little scope for an interpretive focus.
  • Aspect-guided: Here, important aspects of the scene are highlighted in advance, which are successively analyzed. With this approach, you can focus on a specific topic, for example. This method is often found to be more difficult, but leaves the author more freedom.

Conclusion or conclusion

The end serves to create a general overview of the analysis result, but also to draw a personal conclusion. Here, for example, reference can be made to the historical background. In addition, reference can be made to the relevance of the scene (to what extent is the scene relevant to the play? ).

swell