IBDP English A – Analysis Tools and Solved Samples

Death and the Maiden

Exposition Definition: Exposition provides background information necessary to understand the story, introducing the main characters, setting, and initial conflict.

Example: The exposition in “Death and the Maiden” sets up the tense atmosphere and introduces key characters and elements of their backstory:

• The play opens in an isolated beach house where Paulina Salas, a former political prisoner, lives with her husband, Gerardo Escobar. The remoteness of the setting creates an immediate sense of vulnerability and confinement.
• Gerardo has just been appointed to a commission investigating human rights abuses from the past dictatorship, establishing the socio-political context that underpins the entire play. His role symbolizes the official attempt to reconcile with a violent past.
• Paulina’s initial behavior, characterized by nervousness and suspicion, hints at her traumatic experiences without explicitly detailing them, drawing the audience into her psychological state.
• Example: “May I ask what you’re doing with that gun, Paulina?” – Gerardo’s question to Paulina when she first takes out the gun, subtly introducing the tension and the theme of power reversal.

Inciting Incident Definition: The inciting incident is the event that sets the main plot into motion, disrupting the status quo and introducing the central conflict.

Example: The inciting incident occurs when Dr. Roberto Miranda visits the house:

• Dr. Miranda helps Gerardo get home after his car breaks down, and then follows him to the house under the pretense of checking on his welfare.
• Paulina hears Dr. Miranda’s voice and is instantly triggered, convinced that he is the doctor who tortured and raped her during her captivity. This moment disrupts the fragile peace in her life and sets off a chain of events driven by her need for justice.
• Example: “I recognized his voice. Instantly. That voice… it was playing Schubert.” – Paulina’s recognition of Dr. Miranda’s voice as the one she remembers from her torture sessions, establishing the emotional and psychological stakes.

Rising Action Definition: Rising action consists of a series of events that create suspense, tension, and complexity, leading up to the climax.

Example: The rising action involves the following key developments:

• Paulina takes drastic action by knocking Dr. Miranda unconscious, tying him up, and planning to extract a confession. This act of taking control represents a significant power shift and deepens the narrative tension.
• Gerardo’s attempts to mediate between Paulina and Dr. Miranda create additional layers of conflict. He is torn between his legal principles and his love for his wife. Gerardo’s involvement complicates the situation, highlighting the moral and ethical dilemmas at play.
• Paulina’s recounting of her torture experiences, such as the music that was played during her torture, adds depth to her character and illustrates the horrors she endured. Her emotional breakdowns and moments of vulnerability enhance the suspense and audience empathy.
• Example: “You want to know what the worst part was? It was the music. Schubert. The same piece, over and over.” – Paulina’s description of her torture, emphasizing the psychological scars and the triggers that haunt her.

Climax Definition: The climax is the turning point of the story, the moment of greatest tension where the main conflict reaches its peak.

Example: The climax occurs during Paulina’s intense confrontation with Dr. Miranda:

• Under duress, Dr. Miranda confesses to his crimes, although the authenticity of his confession remains ambiguous. This moment of apparent resolution is charged with tension, as it could signify the end of Paulina’s quest for justice or merely a hollow victory.
• The audience is left questioning whether Dr. Miranda’s confession is genuine or coerced, reflecting the complex interplay of truth, power, and memory.
• Example: “I confess. I did it. I did it all.” – Dr. Miranda’s confession, a climactic moment that challenges the audience’s perception of justice and truth.

Falling Action Definition: Falling action follows the climax and shows the consequences of the climax, leading towards resolution.

Example: The falling action explores the immediate aftermath of the climax:

• Paulina’s reaction to the confession and her subsequent decisions about Dr. Miranda’s fate illustrate the ongoing struggle between her need for retribution and her moral boundaries.
• Gerardo and Paulina’s attempts to return to normalcy, marked by strained conversations and unresolved tension, underscore the emotional and ethical ramifications of their actions.
• The ambiguity of the falling action leaves the audience contemplating the future of the characters and the impact of their choices.
• Example: “What now, Paulina? What do we do now?” – Gerardo’s question to Paulina, highlighting the uncertainty and unresolved nature of their situation.

Resolution Definition: The resolution, or denouement, ties up loose ends and concludes the story, resolving the central conflict.

Example: The resolution of “Death and the Maiden” is deliberately ambiguous:

• The play ends with Paulina and Gerardo attending a concert where they see Dr. Miranda. This unresolved ending leaves the audience pondering the nature of justice, forgiveness, and the possibility of healing.
• The lack of a clear resolution reflects the ongoing struggle to reconcile with a traumatic past and the complexities of personal and collective memory.
• Example: “Tomorrow, we will have to start over. Again.” – Paulina’s final line, suggesting the cyclical nature of trauma and the continuous effort required for healing and reconciliation.

The Heroine’s Journey Definition: The Heroine’s Journey focuses on a female protagonist’s inner transformation, often involving a struggle against societal expectations.

Example: Paulina’s journey embodies the Heroine’s Journey:

• Paulina’s transformation from a victim of torture to a seeker of justice and truth defies societal norms and challenges traditional gender roles. Her actions reflect her inner strength and determination to reclaim her agency.
• Her struggle against her trauma and her need for validation and closure highlight themes of empowerment, resilience, and the quest for personal justice.
• Example: “I am not mad. I know what I am doing.” – Paulina’s assertion of her sanity and purpose, emphasizing her resolve and defiance of societal expectations.

The Five-Act Structure Definition: The Five-Act Structure divides the story into five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Example:

• Exposition: Introduction of Paulina, Gerardo, and the political context. Example: The setting of the secluded beach house and the appointment of Gerardo to the commission investigating human rights abuses.
• Rising Action: Paulina’s capture and interrogation of Dr. Miranda. Example: Paulina’s suspicion, her decision to take Dr. Miranda captive, and the escalating tension between the characters.
• Climax: Dr. Miranda’s confession. Example: The intense and ambiguous confession scene where Dr. Miranda admits to his crimes under duress.
• Falling Action: The couple’s attempt to deal with the aftermath. Example: The strained conversations and unresolved tension between Paulina and Gerardo as they grapple with the consequences of their actions.
• Resolution: The ambiguous ending at the concert. Example: The final scene at the concert, where Paulina and Gerardo see Dr. Miranda, leaving the audience questioning the future of the characters and the nature of justice.

The Tragic Pyramid Definition: The Tragic Pyramid structure includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and catastrophe, focusing on the downfall of the protagonist.

Example: The play fits the Tragic Pyramid structure:

• Exposition: Introduction of characters and setting. Example: The initial scenes in the beach house, establishing the characters and their backstory.
• Rising Action: The escalation of Paulina’s actions against Dr. Miranda. Example: Paulina’s decision to take Dr. Miranda captive and her interrogation methods.
• Climax: The confession. Example: Dr. Miranda’s confession, which is the peak of the play’s tension.
• Falling Action: The consequences of Paulina’s actions. Example: The strained interactions and unresolved tension between Paulina and Gerardo.
• Catastrophe: The unresolved ending and the enduring psychological scars. Example: The final scene at the concert, leaving the audience to contemplate the unresolved nature of the characters’ trauma and the implications for their future.

Fichtean Curve Definition: The Fichtean Curve emphasizes a series of crises leading to a climax, with less emphasis on exposition.

Example: The play’s structure is driven by continuous crises:

• Each confrontation between Paulina, Gerardo, and Dr. Miranda heightens the tension. Example: The repeated confrontations and interrogations between Paulina and Dr. Miranda, and the moral dilemmas faced by Gerardo.
• The narrative builds towards the climactic confession, maintaining high stakes and emotional intensity. Example: The intense and emotionally charged confession scene.

Midpoint Definition: The midpoint is a significant turning point in the middle of the story, often leading to a shift in direction or escalation of the main conflict.

Example: The midpoint occurs when Paulina captures Dr. Miranda:

• This act shifts the play from a psychological drama to a tense interrogation, escalating the central conflict. Example: Paulina’s decision to take Dr. Miranda captive and her subsequent actions to extract a confession.

Crisis Definition: The crisis is a crucial moment of decision or conflict that significantly impacts the story’s outcome.

Example: The crisis happens when Gerardo is forced to choose between supporting Paulina and adhering to his legal principles:

• This decision shapes the play’s direction and intensifies the conflict between justice and legality. Example: Gerardo’s internal conflict and his attempts to mediate between Paulina and Dr. Miranda, torn between his love for Paulina and his commitment to legal principles.

Save the Cat! Definition: This structure includes specific beats or moments designed to make the story engaging, such as the “Save the Cat” moment where the protagonist does something endearing.

Example: The “Save the Cat” moment is Paulina’s vulnerability:

• Her sharing of her traumatic past and her need for validation make her actions more relatable and garner audience sympathy, despite her extreme measures. Example: Paulina’s recounting of her torture experiences and the emotional intensity of her interactions with Gerardo and Dr. Miranda.

Story Circle Definition: The Story Circle, created by Dan Harmon, follows a circular structure with eight steps: You, Need, Go, Search, Find, Take, Return, Change. It’s used to structure character-driven stories where the protagonist undergoes a significant transformation.

Example:

• You: Paulina and Gerardo in their beach house. Example: The initial scenes establishing their relationship and the political context.
• Need: Paulina’s need for justice and closure. Example: Paulina’s recognition of Dr. Miranda’s voice and her subsequent actions to seek justice.
• Go: The arrival of Dr. Miranda. Example: Dr. Miranda’s unexpected visit to the beach house.
• Search: Paulina’s interrogation of Dr. Miranda. Example: Paulina’s methods to extract a confession from Dr. Miranda.
• Find: The confession. Example: Dr. Miranda’s confession under duress.
• Take: The emotional and ethical fallout. Example: The strained interactions and unresolved tension between Paulina and Gerardo.
• Return: The return to normalcy. Example: The couple’s attempts to move past the events, despite the lingering tension.
• Change: The play’s ending reflects the ongoing impact of the past. Example: The final scene at the concert, highlighting the unresolved nature of the characters’ trauma and the implications for their future.

Story Genius Definition: This method focuses on the psychological motivations of characters and the internal logic driving the story. It emphasizes understanding characters’ desires, fears, and emotional journeys to create a compelling narrative.

Example:

• Paulina’s Psychological Motivations: Her actions are driven by her trauma and need for validation, reflecting her deep emotional scars and quest for justice. Example: Paulina’s recounting of her torture experiences and the emotional intensity of her interactions with Gerardo and Dr. Miranda.
• Gerardo’s Dilemma: His internal conflict between his love for Paulina and his commitment to legal principles adds depth to his character. Example: Gerardo’s attempts to mediate between Paulina and Dr. Miranda, torn between his love for Paulina and his commitment to legal principles.

Narrative Structure Definition: Narrative structure refers to the overall framework of the story, including its sequence of events and the way it is told. It encompasses the plot’s organization and the techniques used to convey the story.

Example: The play’s narrative structure is linear but filled with psychological complexity:

• The tension builds methodically, with each act revealing more about the characters’ pasts and motivations, culminating in the ambiguous ending. Example: The linear progression of the plot, with each act deepening the audience’s understanding of the characters’ psychological states and motivations.

A Disturbance and Two Doors Definition: This structure involves a disturbance that introduces a dilemma, followed by a choice between two paths or “doors.” It often highlights the protagonist’s decision-making process and its consequences.

Example:

• Disturbance: Dr. Miranda’s arrival. Example: Dr. Miranda’s unexpected visit to the beach house, triggering Paulina’s recognition and subsequent actions.
• Two Doors: Paulina’s choice to either seek justice on her own terms or adhere to legal norms. Her decision to capture and interrogate Dr. Miranda leads to the play’s central conflict. Example: Paulina’s decision to take Dr. Miranda captive and her subsequent actions to extract a confession.

Ending Definition: The ending concludes the story, resolving the main conflict and providing closure to the narrative.

Example:

• The ambiguous ending, with Paulina and Gerardo attending the concert and seeing Dr. Miranda, leaves the audience questioning the nature of justice and the possibility of healing, reflecting the play’s complex themes. Example: The final scene at the concert, highlighting the unresolved nature of the characters’ trauma and the implications for their future.

Through these narrative structures, “Death and the Maiden” intricately weaves a story of trauma, justice, and moral ambiguity. Ariel Dorfman’s use of these structures enhances the play’s thematic depth and emotional resonance, creating a powerful and thought-provoking work. The detailed analysis of these elements showcases the complexity and richness of the play, making it a compelling and multifaceted narrative.