Drama Terms
A genre of literature intended for performance in front of an audience, characterized by its use of dialogue and conflict to engage and entertain.
Drama
Which dramatic convention is used in "West Side Story" to provide insight to Tony's thoughts when he sings "Maria"?
Soliloquy
In the song “Cool,” how does the author’s diction and syntax contribute to the tone of defiance and resilience?
By employing ambiguous language and vague sentence structure to convey carelessness
Through rebellious and defiant language to assert independence
Through the use of passive language and submissive tone to convey compliance
By continually repeating the same words over and over to invoke a sense of togetherness and unity.
2. Through rebellious and defiant language to assert independence
What are the Sharks and Jets fighting over?
Turf/Land
In "West Side Story" and "Long Way Down", which theme is most central to both narratives?
The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
Satire
Why does Arthur Laurents describe the adults as "useless" at the end of the drama?
Despite their efforts at peace, the cycle of violence continued.
What line from “Cool” offers the most compelling evidence for the tone of defiance and resilience?
“Got a rocket in your pocket, keep coolly cool boy”
“Take it slow, and Daddy-O, you can live it up and die in bed”
“Easy does it, turn off the juice boy”
“Don’t get hot, ‘Cause man, you got some high times ahead”
1. “Got a rocket in your pocket, keep coolly cool boy”
Who is the youngest member of the Jets gang?
Baby John
How do the endings of "West Side Story" and "Long Way Down" differ?
One ends with a cliffhanger, while the other has a resolution.
When the audience of a drama is aware of something that the characters in the play do not know.
Dramatic Irony
What message about supporting and sacrificing for your family does the author develop throughout the drama?
Sacrificing individual ambitions for the betterment of the family unit
EX: Bernardo making sacrifices for Anita and Maria to have a better life
What lyric from “Something’s Coming” best supports the tone of anticipation and excitement?
“Down the block, on a beach, under a tree”
“Around the corner or whistlin’ down the river”
“There’s somethin’ due any day, I will know right away”
“Who knows? It’s only just out of reach”
3. “There’s somethin’ due any day, I will know right away”
Who was the leader of the Jets? Who was the leader of the Sharks?
Jets: Riff, Sharks: Bernardo
What musical number acts as comic relief within "West Side Story"?
Gee, Officer Krupke
A speech given by a character alone on stage, used to reveal their inner thoughts and feelings to the audience.
Soliloquy
What is the author's main intention behind setting "West Side Story in a gritty, urban environment like 1950s New York City?
To explore themes of social inequality, discrimination and culture clash
What is the primary objective of the author incorporating songs like “America” and “I Feel Pretty” into “West Side Story”?
To allow a women’s perspective on love and romance.
To offer commentary on the immigrant experience and the American Dream
To juxtapose the romanticized portrayal of love and relationships with the harsh realities of life
To introduce cultural diversity and celebrate the fusion of different musical styles
To offer commentary on the immigrant experience and the American Dream
How are Tony and Riff character foils?
Tony is very optimistic and peace-loving, while Riff is aggressive and confrontational.
How does Anybodys challenge gender roles within the 1950s?
Anybodys is a girl trying to accomplish what is traditionally only done by men.
EX: She repeatedly tried to join the Jets and gets shot down; however, she never stops helping them and acting as a member of the gang.
Short comments made by a character in a play, intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters on stage.
Asides
In "West Side Story", how does the use of dance contribute to the narrative?
It symbolizes the characters' internal struggles and conflicts
What excerpt from “Tonight” best supports the tone of romanticism?
“There’s a place for us, somewhere a place for us”
“Tonight, tonight, it all began tonight”
“The world is full of light, with suns and moons all over the place”
“Sleep well and when you dream, dream of me tonight”
3. “The world is full of light, with suns and moons all over the place”
What is the author's primary purpose in depicting the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks in "West Side Story"?
To illustrate the destructive consequences of prejudice and hatred
Which literary technique is utilized to convey the passage of time in both "West Side Story" and "Long Way Down"?
Dialogue