Elements
What is the written form of a play called?
What is a script?
The main character in a drama is called the _______.
Who is the protagonist?
If a character’s actions contradict their dialogue, what can you infer about them?
What is being dishonest, or hiding their true feelings?
How can Mother be characterized based on the following:
MOTHER: I know. But you’ll be careful, won’t you. Promise me you’ll be extra careful. Don’t fall asleep—or drive fast—or pick up any strangers on the road . . .
She is nervous.
She is anxious.
She is worried.
What real world occurrence is the text an example of?
What is a mob?
Mob mentality?
Witch hunt?
The message or life lesson of a drama is called the _______.
What is the theme?
The character or force that opposes the main character is the _______.
Who is the antagonist?
What can you infer: Maria, do I look okay in this? Now tell me the truth. [turning this way and that in front of Maria]
What is the speaker feeling nervous?
What is the speaker is going on a date?
What does the hitch-hiker Most Likely symbolize.
What is death.
What is the Grim Reaper.
What can you infer about human nature based on how quickly the neighbors turn on each other?
Fear and suspicion bring out irrational and violent behavior.
We are our own worst enemies.
Why might a playwright include a narrator in a drama?
To help the audience interpret themes or foreshadow events.
What two elements of a script should you look at when identify someone's Characterization
What is Dialogue and Stage Directions?
How does the speaker feel about mark: (sarcastically) You’d think Mark played for the Texas Rangers or something.
What does Ronald’s constant driving away from the Hitch-hiker symbolize?
He can't accept that he died.
His inability to move on.
What inference can you draw about the Neighbors from the play’s title, “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street”?
They are the monsters.
What can an audience infer about a play based on its opening stage direction?
Opening stage direction tell the setting or the mood of the drama.
Why might an author use silence instead of dialogue in a critical moment?
What is to show tension, suspense, or hesitation.
What can you infer about Vicky: [A young man named Joshua enters. Vicky suddenly stops spinning. Her boredom has suddenly vanished.]
She is glad to have company.
She is interested in Joshua.
What can you infer about hitch-hiker the from the fact that only Ronald ever sees him?
That the hitch hiker is either a vision or supernatural in nature.
What can you infer about leadership and power from Steve’s failed attempt to calm the group?
Reasonable voices are often drowned out by fear and mob pressure.
If the play ends ambiguously (leave you hanging), what is this called?
What is a cliff-hanger?
What can you infer when a character changes tone from confident to doubtful over several scenes?
What is facing conflict, guilt, or worry?
What can you infer: Stuart usually smiles…but his eyes of a mad man, like he pictures himself as some Egyptian pharaoh
Stuart is fake, conceited, looks down on others.
The final revelation that Ronald is already dead forces readers to reinterpret earlier events. What does this suggest about perception(how a person views the world) versus reality?
DAILY DOUBLE - DOUBLE THE POINTS
People struggle when facing a hard truth.
Humans often create illusions to avoid confronting mortality or guilt.
Both The Hitch-Hiker and The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street use ordinary settings — a highway and a quiet neighborhood — to reveal extraordinary fears.
What can you infer about what Lucille Fletcher and Rod Serling are suggesting about human nature and the dangers of fear itself?
The most dangerous thing is inside of humans, not an external threat.