The play Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman delves into the conflicts of three characters, Paulina Salas, her husband Gerardo Escobar and Dr. Roberto Miranda. It is implied that the play revolves around the citizens of chile, recovering from the after - effects of the brutal Pinochet dictatorship. Dorfman uses a range of literary devices to convey both atmosphere and suspense, however more significantly I will zoom into the three prominent ways, which are; Light Imagery, Dramatic devices and Literary techniques/elements. Throughout the play we are presented with repeated light imagery to illuminate the intense, nerve - wrecking atmosphere in which also helps fortify suspense. From the very beginning of the play, the audience is exposed
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This idea is further reiterated as the word “darkness” connotes to something terrifying and ghastly thus conveying a ethereal atmosphere. Consequently, darkness envelopes the tape recorder as we hear Roberto’s confession, this evokes tension and suspense in the atmosphere to the audience as it magnifies Roberto’s confession through encapsulating the audience vividly allowing them to solely focus on the content of the confession. Additionally, light imagery evidently highlights suspense in the last scene, it illuminates Roberto at the end of the play, underlying the haunting quality of his presence thus further intensifying the climatic tense atmosphere. Light imagery is also an effective way of alienating dilemma’s, as each time the light changes, we are presented with elevated dilemmas and thus more suspense is created. Lastly, light imagery also forces the audience to ponder on the atmosphere because Dorfman uses both artificial lights and moonlight. …show more content…
By doing so not only does he present the challenges and conflicts that the three characters faces but also delves deeper into the the agony of the pinochet dictatorship. Consequently, the play’s tone is harsh, dramatic and dark where much of the play unfolds in literal darkness thus extending suspense and building catharsis. In addition there is a symbolic darkness that permeates the play as well which effectively highlights the terrorising and frightening
This idea is further reiterated as the word “darkness” connotes to something terrifying and ghastly thus conveying a ethereal atmosphere. Consequently, darkness envelopes the tape recorder as we hear Roberto’s confession, this evokes tension and suspense in the atmosphere to the audience as it magnifies Roberto’s confession through encapsulating the audience vividly allowing them to solely focus on the content of the confession. Additionally, light imagery evidently highlights suspense in the last scene, it illuminates Roberto at the end of the play, underlying the haunting quality of his presence thus further intensifying the climatic tense atmosphere. Light imagery is also an effective way of alienating dilemma’s, as each time the light changes, we are presented with elevated dilemmas and thus more suspense is created. Lastly, light imagery also forces the audience to ponder on the atmosphere because Dorfman uses both artificial lights and moonlight. …show more content…
By doing so not only does he present the challenges and conflicts that the three characters faces but also delves deeper into the the agony of the pinochet dictatorship. Consequently, the play’s tone is harsh, dramatic and dark where much of the play unfolds in literal darkness thus extending suspense and building catharsis. In addition there is a symbolic darkness that permeates the play as well which effectively highlights the terrorising and frightening