English Literature Discussion Paper

All literature involves some kind of performance
which is intended for an audience. Sometimes, however, the performative quality
of a work (i.e., the fact that it is being presented to an audience) is more
obvious than at others. Drama and poetry, for example, tend to emphasize overt
performance more than do short stories, which more often are read silently and
in solitude.

How is the more direct performative aspect of drama and/or poetry reflected in
these forms? (Consider for example, each genre’s uses of literary structure,
language, technique, and style.) How do these literary elements affect your
reading experience?