ABSTRACT
Chapter 7, “Idea,” studies the thoughts and thought patterns expressed in the play. Verbal expressions of idea are studied by way of play titles, discussions, sayings, allusions, set speeches, imagery, symbols, prologue, and epilogue. Expressions of idea through character are studied by way of narrator, chorus, confidant(e), and normative character. Idea in the plot is studied by way of parallelism, internal conflict, and main climax. The main idea is explained as the thought pattern expressed by the entire presented experience of the play. The operation of idea in nonrealistic plays is also examined. The chapter concludes with a summary and exercises for a scene or short play.
