DRAMATISM

(Brief) Lecture & Discussion, 09/24/14

Kenneth Burke,

May 5, 1897 – November 19, 1993 Literary Theorist College Dropout “A Grammar of Motives” (1969) The “Dramatistic Pentad”

Dramatistic Pentad Act: What happened? What is the action?

What is going on? What action; what thoughts? Scene: Where is the act happening? What is

the background situation? Agent: Who is involved in the action? What are

their roles? Agency: How do the agents act? By what

means do they act? Purpose: Why do the agents act? What do

they want?

ActWhat happened?What is the action?What is going on?What action; what thoughts?

 

SceneWhere is the act happening?What is the background

situation?

AgentWho is involved in the action?What are their roles?

AgencyHow do the agents act?By what means do they act?

PurposeWhy do the agents act?What do they want?

Homework: Due 9/26, 5:45pm

Using the internet, find a comic book or graphic novel cover that appeals to you.

Apply the Pentad to your chosen image Determine which TWO elements of the

Pentad you think are most emphasized. E-mail Mr. Hogan with a copy of the image,

and a brief (no more than a page) write-up of your analysis and findings.