Exposition

In drama, exposition is a technique that playwrights use to inform the audience about past events that are relevant to their understanding of the play. For example, exposition is common in the historical plays of William Shakespeare, where Shakespeare uses his characters early in each play to describe or discuss historical events that are pertinent to the action that ensues. In The Young Man from Atlanta, the clearest example of exposition occurs in the first scene during Will's conversation with Tom. Through this conversation, the audience learns about Bill's death and Will's belief that it was a suicide. The audience also learns that Will recently spent a significant amount of money building the Kidders' new home. This conversation also allows Foote to reveal some information about Will's tenure with Sunshine Southern Wholesale Grocery. Another example of exposition in The Young Man from Atlanta occurs while Lily Dale confides...