Plays that have a climactic structure are made up of six dramatic conventions. Name and describe these six conventions and give an example of each from Macbeth or a play that you have viewed or discussed in class.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The six dramatic conventions of a climactic structure are exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and denouement.

1. Exposition: This is the introduction of the characters, setting, and conflict of the play. In Macbeth, the exposition occurs when the witches make their prophecy to Macbeth and Banquo, setting the stage for the conflict to come.

2. Rising Action: This is the series of events that lead to the climax of the play. In Macbeth, the rising action includes Macbeth's growing ambition and the murders he commits to fulfill the witches' prophecy.

3. Climax: This is the turning point of the play, where the conflict reaches its peak. In Macbeth, the climax occurs when Macbeth murders King Duncan, solidifying his descent into tyranny.

4. Falling Action: This is the aftermath of the climax, where the consequences of the characters' actions become clear. In Macbeth, the falling action includes Macbeth's increasingly brutal rule and the efforts of the other characters to overthrow him.

5. Resolution: This is the point in the play where the conflict is resolved. In Macbeth, the resolution comes when Macbeth is defeated and order is restored to Scotland.

6. Denouement: This is the final outcome or unraveling of the plot. In Macbeth, the denouement occurs when Malcolm is crowned the new king and peace is restored to the kingdom.

These dramatic conventions work together to create a climactic structure in a play, building tension and resolving the conflict in a satisfying way for the audience.

Plays That Have a Climactic Structure Are Made Up of Six