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Form, structure, language and devices - CCEALanguage and dramatic devices

Philadelphia, Here I Come! is a play written by Brian Friel. It is a tragicomedy. On his last night in Ireland a series of visitations - some real and some in his imagination - force Gar O'Donnell to confront the choices he has made.

Part of English LiteraturePhiladelphia, Here I Come!

Language and dramatic devices

Language refers to the choices of style and vocabulary made by the writer. When analysing the language Friel uses you should think about:

  • what, the playwright's choice of specific words and dramatic devices
  • where/how, the way in which the writer uses them
  • why, the effect on the audience

Many of the effects mentioned throughout when discussing character, themes, form and structure are created through Friel鈥檚 innovative use of language and other dramatic devices.

You will be expected to discuss these throughout your essay and analyse how they are used in every point that you make.

See the following pages for some specific devices that Friel uses and some of the effects they may have on the audience.

You can refer to the sample question at the end, and to the sections on characters and themes to see how discussion of these devices can be integrated into a clear argument in the exam.