Topic 11 - Conversational structure and character (Session A) > Tool Summary

Topic 11 'tool' Summary

In this topic we have explored in general terms the discourse architecture of drama and the kinds of analysis we will need to undertake in order to account for it adequately.

We have also explored in detail how turn-taking patterns and other aspects of conversational structure can reveal power relations among participants in conversations and we have applied what we have seen about turn-taking and power in conversations to an extract from the beginning of Shaw's Major Barbara in order to reveal the relationship between the two characters, how it is created in the text and some of the humorous and absurd characteristics of this particular dramatic dialogue.

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