The message or meaning of a play is?

The message or meaning of a play, often referred to as its theme, is the central idea or ideas that the playwright wants to convey to the audience. It's the underlying message about life, human nature, society, or any other topic that the play explores.

Here's a breakdown of what makes up a play's meaning:

1. Thematic Statements: These are the core ideas the playwright explores through the characters, plot, dialogue, and setting. Think of them as the "big questions" the play asks:

* Love and loss: What does it mean to love and lose? How do we cope with grief? (e.g., Romeo and Juliet)

* Power and corruption: How does power corrupt? What are the consequences of unchecked ambition? (e.g., Macbeth)

* Social injustice: What are the causes and consequences of inequality and prejudice? (e.g., A Raisin in the Sun)

* Human nature: What are the fundamental drives and motivations of humans? (e.g., Hamlet)

2. Symbols and Motifs: These are recurring elements in the play that hold deeper meaning and contribute to the overall message.

* A recurring color: Red in Macbeth often symbolizes blood, violence, and guilt.

* A recurring image: The caged bird in "The Great Gatsby" symbolizes the limitations of the American Dream.

* A recurring sound: The ticking clock in "Death of a Salesman" represents the relentless passage of time and the pressure to succeed.

3. The Characters' Journeys: The characters' experiences and transformations throughout the play often reveal the play's central message. Do they learn important lessons? Do they change their beliefs or values?

* Hamlet's journey: He grapples with revenge, doubt, and the meaning of life, revealing the play's themes of revenge, mortality, and justice.

4. The Play's Ending: The way the play ends often provides clues to its meaning.

* A tragic ending: Shakespeare's tragedies often suggest the futility of human striving and the inevitability of fate.

* A happy ending: A play with a happy ending might highlight the power of hope, resilience, or forgiveness.

Interpreting a Play's Meaning

It's important to remember that playwrights often leave room for interpretation. The meaning of a play can be subjective and vary depending on the audience's background, beliefs, and individual experiences.

Here are some questions to consider when trying to understand the meaning of a play:

* What are the main conflicts?

* What are the characters' motivations?

* What are the play's major themes?

* What are the symbols and motifs?

* What message does the ending convey?

By carefully analyzing these elements, you can gain a deeper understanding of the message or meaning of a play.