‘the Language and Variation in Tone in ‘a Man for All Seasons’ Makes It a Much More Accessible Historical Drama Than ‘Murder in the Cathedral.’ Do You Agree or Disagree?
‘The language and variation in tone in ‘A Man for All Seasons’ makes it a much more accessible historical drama than ‘Murder in the Cathedral.’
Due to the stylised and naturalistic style of writing by Bolt and Eliot, ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ and ‘A Man for All Seasons’ differ in their accessibility as historical dramas. The language and variation in tone in ‘A Man for All Seasons’ arguably adds to the play’s accessibility. The language and variation in tone in ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ could also be considered accessible but in very different ways from the latter novel.
Eliot’s ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ was written in stylised verse. The verse contains consistent use of rhyme and repetition further emphasising the stylised nature of the play. Eliot utilizes the form of verse and prose to create effect. He switches from verse to prose to emphasise the didactic content within the interlude and to allow the Knights a deep and intellectual explanation of the murder. This is not the case in Bolt’s ‘A Man for All Seasons’. The narrative within Bolt’s play is naturalistic and therefore easier to read and arguably more accessible. Bolt states, ‘a play is more like a poem than a straight narration…imagery ought to be important,’ and this can be seen throughout ‘A Man for All Seasons’ adding style to Bolt’s narrative.
Eliot’s verse form in ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ elevates the stylised narrative of the play. This verse form contains alliteration, repetition and rhyme. The repetition reinforces the imagery Eliot creates in the novel; ‘Still the horror, but more horror’. Rhyme can be seen throughout the play, ‘take a friend’s advice. Leave well alone, /or your goose may be cooked and eaten to the bone.’ The consistent use of these literary methods decreases the novel’s accessibility. The use of language and verse is manipulated to make the play sound as though it was written in the twelfth century and this disallows the novel from being easily accessed by readers in
Due to the stylised and naturalistic style of writing by Bolt and Eliot, ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ and ‘A Man for All Seasons’ differ in their accessibility as historical dramas. The language and variation in tone in ‘A Man for All Seasons’ arguably adds to the play’s accessibility. The language and variation in tone in ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ could also be considered accessible but in very different ways from the latter novel.
Eliot’s ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ was written in stylised verse. The verse contains consistent use of rhyme and repetition further emphasising the stylised nature of the play. Eliot utilizes the form of verse and prose to create effect. He switches from verse to prose to emphasise the didactic content within the interlude and to allow the Knights a deep and intellectual explanation of the murder. This is not the case in Bolt’s ‘A Man for All Seasons’. The narrative within Bolt’s play is naturalistic and therefore easier to read and arguably more accessible. Bolt states, ‘a play is more like a poem than a straight narration…imagery ought to be important,’ and this can be seen throughout ‘A Man for All Seasons’ adding style to Bolt’s narrative.
Eliot’s verse form in ‘Murder in the Cathedral’ elevates the stylised narrative of the play. This verse form contains alliteration, repetition and rhyme. The repetition reinforces the imagery Eliot creates in the novel; ‘Still the horror, but more horror’. Rhyme can be seen throughout the play, ‘take a friend’s advice. Leave well alone, /or your goose may be cooked and eaten to the bone.’ The consistent use of these literary methods decreases the novel’s accessibility. The use of language and verse is manipulated to make the play sound as though it was written in the twelfth century and this disallows the novel from being easily accessed by readers in