Final answer:
The term 'spectacle' refers to a visual display or performance that is striking or grand and is often used in the context of theater. It can refer to the technical aspects like scenery and effects that enhance or potentially distract from the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word “spectacle” as used in the provided context refers to a visually striking performance or display staged in a theater or a similar environment. It is often associated with grandeur or an impressive show designed to captivate the audience. In the context of the excerpts shared, spectacle refers to the physical and visual elements of a theater production, such as the scenery, costumes, and special effects, rather than the narrative or dramatic poetry itself. These excerpts suggest a distinction between the emotional power of the narrative that can stand on its own without the visual aspects and the spectacle which is more related to the technical side of theater production.
The use of spectacle in the examples provided ranges from its literal theatrical application to more metaphorical uses, where 'spectacle' might refer to something remarkable or noteworthy that is subject to public attention, like a significant event. In theatrical terms, it can be the element that enriches the storytelling experience, but it can also distract from the narrative if it overwhelms the substance of the production.