How to Analyse Plays

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Reading and Annotating Plays

The best place to start when approaching a play is to research the author’s context. This can help you develop an understanding on the playwright’s message as well as some allusions the playwright has included. You don’t have to write a biography on the playwright, just take note of significant events. I divided my notes into personal, cultural, historical and social context. Here’s how I set out my notes:

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