Genre
Drama
Language
English
Setting and Context
An opera lesson in the 1970s
Narrator and Point of View
The play is told from the point of view of a third person, omniscient narrator.
Tone and Mood
The tone is tense and powerful; the mood is dramatic and intriguing.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Maria Callas is the protagonist; her opera students are the antagonists.
Major Conflict
The major conflict of the play occurs in Maria's lesson with her first student, Sophie, as she makes her cry as a result of her harsh criticism.
Climax
The climax in the play is reached in the second act when Maria praises the Accompanist, who she previously criticized.
Foreshadowing
The reflection into Maria's life is foreshadowed by the struggles experienced by the opera students.
Understatement
The impact of criticism is an issue that is understated during the play.
Allusions
The play alludes to the life and works of Maria Callas.
Imagery
N/A
Paradox
The manner in which Maria issues feedback to her students is paradoxical, as she wishes to be constructive with her criticism, yet she is so brutal with it instead.
Parallelism
There is a large parallel between the highs of opera singing that Maria experienced and the same love that she so eagerly wants her students to have.
Personification
N/A
Use of Dramatic Devices
The use of dramatic monologue is used effectively to clearly convey Maria's thoughts during the play.
