Exam 4: Image Maker: the Playwright

Correct Answer:

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Sure! Let's start with a passage from August Wilson's play "Fences." In this play, Wilson's use of language is unique and powerful in the way it captures the rhythms and cadences of everyday speech, while also infusing it with poetic and symbolic elements. For example, in the following passage, Troy Maxson, the protagonist, reflects on the challenges he has faced in life:

"TROY: I done locked myself into a pattern trying to take care of you all that I forgot about myself. Rose, I been standing in the same place for eighteen years."

In this passage, Wilson's use of language is powerful in its ability to convey Troy's inner turmoil and sense of being trapped. The repetition of "I done" and "I been" reflects the vernacular speech of the character, while also emphasizing the weight of his realization. The use of the word "pattern" suggests a larger theme of repetition and stagnation in Troy's life, adding a deeper layer of meaning to his words.

Now, let's turn to a passage from David Mamet's play "Glengarry Glen Ross." Mamet is known for his distinctive use of language, characterized by its rapid-fire dialogue and use of profanity to convey the intensity and rawness of human interactions. In the following passage, the character Ricky Roma delivers a monologue to a potential client:

"ROMA: You ever take a dump made you feel like you'd just slept for twelve hours?"

Mamet's use of language in this passage is unique and powerful in its ability to capture the brash and aggressive nature of Roma's character. The use of profanity serves to underscore Roma's boldness and confidence, while the unexpected comparison of taking a dump to feeling rejuvenated adds a touch of dark humor and unpredictability to the dialogue. This kind of language is a trademark of Mamet's work, creating an intense and visceral experience for the audience.

In conclusion, both August Wilson and David Mamet demonstrate a unique and powerful use of language in their plays, capturing the nuances of everyday speech while infusing it with deeper layers of meaning and emotion. Their language serves to bring their characters to life and convey the complex realities of the human experience.