Final answer:
The play "Our Town" uses a dramatic structure to develop its plot, consisting of the playwright's deliberate arrangement of events, characters, and conflicts, akin to an architect's blueprint. The point of attack and exposition are critical in divulging the backstory, while feedback from the production team helps refine the narrative. Playwrights craft a coherent, resonant story through choices in structural elements like character growth and dialogue.
Step-by-step explanation:
How the Playwright Develops the Plot in Our Town
The plot within a play such as Our Town is shaped through the playwright’s strategic arrangement of scenes, character interactions, conflicts, climaxes, and how conflicts are resolved. These elements together form the dramatic structure which is akin to an architect's blueprint, necessary to bring coherence to the actor's performances and the audience's understanding.
For instance, flashbacks or dream sequences might be used to reveal backstory or inner thoughts of characters. The point of attack is where the playwright decides to begin the play, and this determines how much backstory will be disclosed to the audience as the play unfolds. The exposition is a critical tool used to offer insights into events that have occurred before the start of the play.
In “Our Town,” the playwright begins with a daily life perspective in a small town, introducing characters and weaving in details that build the fabric of the society portrayed. As the play moves forward, it captures the milestones and commonalities of human experience, ultimately leading the audience to a profound realization about life and community. Playwrights, who are described as builders of plays, engage in a collaborative process, often using feedback from actors and designers to refine and perfect the play as it comes to life.
Therefore, in the construction of a play, the playwright must consider the effective use of structural elements like character growth, dialogue, conflict, and subplot. By selecting these elements and piecing them together, the playwright builds a narrative that possesses dramatic energy and resonates with the human experience. This intricate balance between structure and content is what helps to achieve the desired impact on an audience.