 Drama: October 10, 2012 Issue [#5302] |
  Drama
This week: Over the Top ~ Not Mellow-Drama Edited by: Kate - Writing & Reading  
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Greetings, and welcome to this edition of the WDC Drama Newsletter. I'm honored to be your guest host for today's dramatic exploration 
"Every man is a borrower and a mimic,
life is theatrical and literature a quotation."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The most dramatic conflicts are perhaps,
those that take place not between men
but between a man and himself,
where the arena of conflict is a solitary mind."
Carl Moustakas
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Greetings, okay, I used 'poetic license' in the title to this exploration 
Partly because I see drama as a poem in prose. No, not a prose poem, but a story (written in prose or verse) that immerses our readers in the unfolding action with each word, every nuance.
We encounter drama not only on stage or in film; it's there for us in everyday life - it's the flavor that makes of life living in place of somnambulistic existence. It doesn't take a writer to see it, but we as writers can bring it face forward in a manner that engages our readers' senses to entertain, enlighten, provoke. Many presume that drama is limited to physical motion. But drama is also present in thoughts, expressed through voice - written or spoken.
What drama does for me is lead me as a reader or listener to moments of direct experience, past mere knowledge, enriching the imagination to reach heart, spirit, along with the mind. It's the writer's challenge to provoke this visceral involvement, explore in depth a character's essence with melodramatic emphasis; one effecitve vehicle being use of the Monologue.
Monologue is a long utterance by one person (especially one that prevents others from participating in the conversation); a speech made to oneself; a (usually long) dramatic speech. WordNet
Dramatic Monologue is further defined as an extended, uninterrupted speech or 'thought poem' by one person either speaking thoughts aloud or addressing another person - be it an audience, another character, or reader. It is presented in plays, opera, film, animated cartoons via prose or poetry. It's can also be simply a long boring speech (verging on a rant - political or otherwise).
 It can be a concentrated narrative poetic or prosaic addressed to another person or group; a speaker communicating with an implied listener - with a perceived gap between what's being said and what is actually revealed (by inference and imagination).
It can be internal - directed to oneself or to other characters. For example - the "Villain Speech" of film James Bond and television Batman and Robin where the villain gloats in lengthy detail of the method he/she will use to bring about their nefarious plot and the heroes' demise - giving them the time and opportunity to effect their escape and/or turn the tables on the villain. character. This type of speech was effectively spoofed in the Austin Powers movies - yes, comedy is a ripe vehicle for dramatic monologue.
I was recently 'treated' to a free performance of dramatic monologue on my train ride to the day job - okay, the ride cost $2.25, 'cheap entertainment.' A 'drama queen' expounded on a number of topics vaguely directing eye contact upon a seatmate, someone across the aisle, and a third person a few seats back from 8 AM until about 8:30 AM. The nonstop diatribe covered a variety of topics, I and all others picked up from half a train back, but her body language was engaging (a bit of comic relief to dull the negativity). I would say that this monologue was actually a Rant.
A Rant is defined by American Heritage Dictionary as violent or extravagant speech or writing, or a speech or piece of writing that incites anger or violence. Rants are attacks on an idea, person or institution (witnessed all of the above during that 40-minute episode) - often not presenting proven claims. Rants can also be reactionary - defending an idea, person, or institution after an attack on the same. Think politicians on the campaign trail 
So, drama need not be overt and exaggerated. It can be as subtle as a whispered conversation with oneself, or as loud as a microphone can be amplified at a rally. The dramatic monologue is effective both ways and, I think, even as a rant, can convey a message of some substance if such is intended by the writer
If you want to share your character's (or your) thoughts or perceptions in a vivid and memorable way - in prose or poetry - why not try a dramatic monologue -or perhaps even a rousing rant. While you're considering your options, check out the variety of voices presented by some members of our Community.
(with thanks for definitions also to csmt.uchicago.edu)
Write On!
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
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Enjoy the presentation of some dramatic dialogue, monologues in prose and verse presented by members of our Community, and a rant or two for your reading 'pleasure' ~ I hope you then create a dialogue (comments) with the authors
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Now does not the following challenge incite your dramatic voice?
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I thank you once again for your welcome. As a guest, I don't have prior comments to share, but welcome yours in response - a monologue to open a dialogue, or rant, if you prefer
Until we next meet,
Applauding your words in prose and verse 
Write On
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
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