Studying Drama Hobson’s Choice

Today’s Lesson: We will focus on: What makes a drama. Summary of the play (Acts1-4). Breakdown of the techniques used

The Drama Genre When you complete an essay question on the Drama Section, you will focus on the following techniques: Plot Characterisation Conflict Key scene(s) Climax themes

Hobson’s Choice: Plot Act One We meet Maggie Hobson, her sisters Vickey and Alice, Hobson, Will Mossop and Fred and Albert. The action takes place in Hobson’s cobbler shop. Hobson dislikes the “uppishness” of his daughters. Maggie decides to marry Will Mossop and open a different cobbler shop.

Hobson’s Choice: Plot Act Two Maggie has started her own business with Will and this has taken all her father’s clients from him. Hobson has a an accident a result of drinking. Consider the change in Will’s attitude towards Maggie at the end of the act.

Hobson’s Choice: Plot Act Three Maggie marries Will Mossop Her sisters are engaged to Freddie and Albert. Hobson visits Maggie. It becomes clear that Hobson is in trouble and will be charged for trespass. He is then forced to give his fine to his daughters for their marriages. Will is being educated by Maggie. It is clear in this act that Will is still scared of Maggie.

Hobson’s Choice: Plot Act 4 A doctor is called to see Hobson who is depressed. It becomes clear that he is lonely and the alcohol is affecting him. Maggie is called and she decides that she and Will will move in and take over the cobbler business. Hobson is left with no choice in the matter so agrees.

Characterisation Maggie Hobson/Mossop Confident Cold Unfriendly To the point Persuasive Unfeeling Bossy

Characterisation Will Mossop Uneducated Practical Good at his job Obedient Loyal A bit of a push over Lacks confidence Working class

Characterisation Hobson Stubborn Drinks too much Dislikes his daughters Likes his business Pompous Social snob Pathetic

Characterisation When asked to specifically focus on a character who changes or two characters who are in conflict, use one of the three mentioned. Do not use any of the others as there are not as much to discuss. Consider: How your character behaves Why he/she behaves in a certain way How do other characters react to them? How does the playwright want us to react to them?

Conflict Conflict is an argument/fight/disagreement between characters. Consider where the conflict is in Hobson’s Choice and why. How is this conveyed to the audience? How does the conflict impact on the rest of the play?

Key Scene(s) You need to decide which scenes are key to the story of Hobson’s Choice. Act 1 – Maggie forces Will to marry her Act 2 Act 3 – Hobson’s trouble Act 4 – Will’s confidence /change

Key Scene(s) Make sure that when you discuss the key scene you include the impact it has on the rest of the play. When does it happen? Who is involved? Why does it happen? How is plot/character affected by it.

Climax Climax is something that is built up to a certain point. The climax in Hobson’s Choice is the fact that Maggie and he disagree and then she ends up moving back in with him. Consider: Why there is climax Who it involves How the plot goes/changes how effective it is to the audience

Themes When discussing the essay question in an exam, you may wish to include the themes of the text: Alcoholism Gender differences Social class Family relationships Marriage Business competition.

Themes When discussing themes, refer to them directly e.g. the theme of business rivalry runs throughout the play as Maggie tries to outdo her father. However, you must consider how the theme affects the characters or the plot etc and link it into the task!!

Using Quotations! Choose four techniques you wish to focus on. For each technique do the following: find three quotations to support the technique e.g. one which tells about a particular character. Explain how effective each technique is i.e. how do we understand the play better.

Using Critical Language The harder bit! Use the pyramid sheet provided to link paragraphs, open sentences and to strengthen your argument. The words on the sheet, if used appropriately will help to build argument and show your engagement with the play throughout the essay.