The Cocktail Party Style

The Cocktail Party Style

Setting

Wh11e dramas are generally confined to more limited settings than other forms of literature, like novels, which play out in readers' imaginations, The Cocktail Party is particularly limited, with only two settings. Most of the action takes place in the drawing room of the Chamberlayne house. This setting draws viewers' attention to several important aspects of the situation that is presented here. It establishes the elevated social class of the characters, giving instant insight into their view of the world. It shows the sort of order that Edward and Lavinia are accustomed to in their lives, which helps to establish why, even with their difficulties, each is willing to renew their relationship. In the first act, this setting creates an automatic sense of dramatic tension since it is obvious that Edward's story about Lavinia going to visit an aunt is a lie. The audience is left to watch him stumble...
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