COURSE WORK FOR DRAMA AND POETRY
ASSIGNMENT ONE (5 MARKS)
1. Define the word drama in your own words
Drama is a type of literary work that tells stories mostly via action and dialogue, usually with the
intention of being performed on stage or screen. Through characters engaging with one another in
dynamic and frequently emotional situations, it explores human conflict, emotions, and relationships.
The main characteristic of drama in literature is its emphasis on action-packed stories, in which the
plot develops via dialogue, choices, and confrontations as opposed to internal monologue or
narration. A literary drama's structure is typically broken up into acts and scenes, each of which
builds to a climax and the resolution of the main conflict. Fundamentally, theater explores the human
experience, including our aspirations, challenges, moral quandaries, and the results of our decisions.
It frequently addresses ethical issues, power dynamics, and the intricacies of interpersonal
interactions. Because of its distinctive focus on interpersonal relationships, conflict, and resolution,
drama is a potent literary form for examining both individual and societal experiences.
ASSIGNMENT TWO (5 MARKS)
2. Define the word poetry in your own words
Poetry is a type of artistic expression that captures moments of experience, evokes feelings, or
provokes thought through the use of language in a heightened, frequently condensed, and rhythmic
manner. Poetry frequently uses elements like meter, rhyme, alliteration, and line breaks to establish
meaning and rhythm, in contrast to prose, which usually adheres to the structure of sentences and
paragraphs. These components lend poetry a melodic character that enables it to express thoughts and
feelings not just via words but also through their delivery. Poetry is distinct because it can take on
many forms, ranging from structured forms like sonnets or haikus to free verse, which has no regular
rhyme or meter. It may use metaphor, symbolism, and imagery to convey complex ideas, allowing
for multiple interpretations. A single poem can evoke a wide range of emotions—joy, sadness,
wonder, despair—through its choice of words, rhythm, and sound patterns. It often leaves space for
ambiguity, inviting the reader to explore deeper meanings and personal connections to the text. A
poem can also be an effective tool for personal expression and cultural commentary, providing
insights into the poet's inner world or commenting on larger societal issues. Poetry, from the epic
narratives of ancient poets like Homer to the introspective lyricism of modern poets like Sylvia Plath,
provides a lens through which we can examine both the particular and universal aspects of human
existence.
COURSE WORK FOR DRAMA AND POETRY
ASSIGNMENT THREE (5 MARKS)
3. Briefly explain the difference between drama and poetry
The primary distinction between drama and poetry is their form and intent of expression.
POERTRY DRAMMA
Poetry, is a literary genre that use structured or Drama on the other hand is essentially a
rhythmic language, frequently with meter, performance-oriented genre of narrative that
rhyme, and figurative language, to portray includes conversation and action. It frequently
feelings, ideas, or moments of experience in a features people, events, and deeds that tell a
compact and expressive manner. Poetry is story through voice and movement.
typically written to be read aloud rather than
acted as theater.
Poetry focuses on the aesthetic characteristics of Drama focuses on human interactions and the
language—sound, rhythm, and meaning—in building of conflict or tension within a
order to elicit deeper emotional or intellectual narrative, frequently attempting to depict real-
responses using brief, sometimes metaphorical life challenges, relationships, or societal issues
language. in a dynamic, visual, and emotional manner.
COURSE WORK FOR DRAMA AND POETRY
CAT ONE
Write an essay on the differences between tragedy and comedy. Use illustrations from
any plays that you have read.
To begin with the main tragic themes in Betrayal in the City which are injustice, political
oppression, and the struggle for liberation. The play depicts a harsh government in the made-
up African nation of Kafira, where people live under extreme oppression and are denied even
the most basic liberties. Because of the government's cruelty and corruption, important
characters like Doga and Nina suffer catastrophic outcomes, including the needless death of
their son Adika. This emphasizes the play's tragic quality by emphasizing themes of suffering
and defiance.
Furthermore, Imbuga delightfully criticizes the administration by interjecting satirical and
ironic moments amidst the weighty subjects. Mulili, for example, is a sycophantic
government official who frequently exhibits amusing incompetence and ignorance, capturing
the stupidity of individuals in positions of authority. In addition to providing comic relief,
these amusing incidents highlight the absurdity and limitations of the dictatorial regime.
Characters such as Jusper, the primary protagonist, are fully developed and experience severe
hardships and emotional upheaval in the tragic vein. Jusper challenges the dictatorship in his
quest for justice for his brother's murder. His journey shows his emotional and psychological
load while illuminating the internal and external challenges that people in authoritarian
societ’s experience. Jusper's severe weakness is his unwillingness to let go of his grief and
desire for justice at any costs, which is reflected in his strong, even reckless urge for
vengeance.
On the other hand, Mulili's character serves as an example of comedy. Humor is introduced
by his frequent blunders in his job and his misuse of language. His crazy allegiance to Boss,
the dictatorial the ruler, highlights the absurdities of power in Kafira by portraying him as an
idiot whose authority is more laughable than respectable.
Betrayal in the City has a primarily depressing tone that captures the people's suffering and
dissatisfaction. A sad atmosphere is produced by scenes including character deaths, political
repression, and imprisonment, which arouse empathy for individuals who are suffering under
the despotic government.
To counterbalance this tone, Imbuga deftly employs humor. An element of dark comedy is
added by Mulili's frequent mistakes, inflated sense of self-importance, and hypocritical
behavior, giving the audience an opportunity to laugh at the expense of unscrupulous
authorities while also acknowledging the grave implications of their behavior.
Betrayal in the City's tragic structure revolves around a cycle of retaliation and revenge that
ends in conflict and loss. The plot ends with Jusper and others trying to reveal the truth, but
this confrontation doesn't result in complete freedom, highlighting the dangers and
constraints of opposing a long-standing government. Subplots however often contain
comedic elements, especially when Mulili participates in ridiculous discussions that expose
the corruption of the government. For instance, the terrible intensity of the story is briefly
broken by Mulili's absurd proposals and misconceptions, which offer amusing interludes.
Additionally With an unresolved sense of loss and little chance for genuine freedom in
Kafira, the drama closes tragically. The resolution reinforces the sorrowful subject by
highlighting the persistence of corruption and the ongoing fight for justice, despite the
COURSE WORK FOR DRAMA AND POETRY
glimmer of change. The humorous depiction of characters such as Mulili and Boss ultimately
functions as a satire of power, even in spite of the terrible conclusion. Ironic justice and a
brief sense of relief are brought about by Mulili's disgrace after betraying his own comrades,
but the terrible conclusion remains unchanged.
In conclusion, Imbuga carefully combines comedy and regret in Betrayal in the City, use
comedy to highlight and expose the shortcomings of a dictatorship. While humorous
elements, especially through characters like Mulili, provide satire and highlight the
ridiculousness of unbridled power, the characters' tragic experiences and oppressive themes
represent the genre of tragedy.
Explicate the poem An African Thunderstorm by David Rubadiri
1. Form and Structure
The poem's free verse form, which lacks a set rhyme pattern, reflects the storm's
impending unpredictability and turbulence. Readers can sense the storm's fury as it rises
and increases because to the use of short lines and changing stanza lengths, which give a
sense of movement and urgency.
2. Language and Imagery
To make the storm come to life, Rubadiri employs powerful sensory and visual images.
Phrases like "clouds come hurrying with the wind" and "turning / sharply" evoke a sense
of dread and anticipation by capturing the storm clouds' restless, rushing pace. A clear
mental image of the storm crashing into the landscape is brought up by the descriptions
of the clouds, which seem to be alive and purposeful.
3. The Thunderstorm Personified
The storm is characterized as a strong, nearly evil entity that has agency and aim. Phrases
such as "pregnant clouds" imply imminent release and possible devastation. The storm's
intensity and unpredictability capture its symbolic strength as well as its tangible force,
reflecting its wild and uncontrollable character.
Furthermore, the description of the storm suggests the arrival of foreign powers, which
may be a metaphor for colonialism. The storm's violent arrival and disrespect for the
environment are comparable to colonial powers' disruptive and invasive entry into
African cultures with little consideration for regional customs or welfare.
4. Sound Devices
Rubadiri used alliteration and onomatopoeia to highlight the storm's chaotic and violent
nature. Words like "whirling wind" and "the wind whistles" evoke the sounds of the
storm, immersing the reader in the experience. The use of assonance and consonance
throughout provides a rhythmic quality that reflects the unpredictable, howling wind and
roaring clouds.
The repeated use of specific sounds adds to the poem's melody, emphasizing nature's
strength and tendency to overwhelm.
5. Symbols and Themes
Nature’s Power: Literally, the poem honors nature's power and majesty. The storm's
intensity and impact on the landscape serve as a reminder of nature's ability to shape and
dominate its surroundings.
COURSE WORK FOR DRAMA AND POETRY
6. Colonialism as a Thunderstorm:
The storm also symbolizes the coming of colonial powers in Africa. Just like a
thunderstorm changes the landscape, colonialism devastated African societies, causing
confusion and requiring adaptation to foreign control. Rubadiri's portrayal of the storm's
impact on "children screaming" and "women / darting" evokes dread, bewilderment, and
instability - feelings and experiences that mirror the cultural impact of colonial control.
Chaos and Transformation: The storm's unpredictable nature embodies the concept of
chaos and transformation. The storm brings neither regeneration nor nurturing rain, but
rather disturbance and disorder, emphasizing the unpredictable and sometimes harmful
character of change.
7. Tones and Mood
The poem's tone is urgent and anticipatory, conveying the stress and excitement of the
upcoming storm. Rubadiri's use of terms like "hurrying," "whirling," and "madly"
conveys a feeling of frenzied energy and intensity.
The tone moves from awe and astonishment at nature's power to anxiety and terror,
conveying the storm's potential for both beauty and tragedy. It elicits a mix of reverence
and horror, representing both the literal response to an African thunderstorm and the
complicated reactions of nations experiencing cultural transformation.
