ABSTRACT
Chapter 8, “Dialogue,” studies the technical and artistic qualities of stage language. Words are examined as abstract or concrete, formal or informal, jargon or slang, and for their connotations. Sentences are studied in terms of their length, type, and effective rhythm. Speeches in dialogue are studied by way of their punctuation and inking. The literary qualities of dialogue are studied through imagery, poetry, charm, dialects, and accents. The operation of dialogue in nonrealistic plays is also examined. The chapter concludes with a summary and exercises for a scene or short play.
