Below is a list of particular props or elements of stagecraft in each of the plays. Match the comment on the right to the appropriate prop or element of stagecraft. (Remember that the comment is only one of many possible ideas about the impact of the prop.)

DUCHESS OF MALFI

  • Ferdinand’s poniard (dagger)
  • The wax figures of Antonio and his son
  • The paper, dropped by Bosola, containing the ‘child’s nativity’
  • Ferdinand’s false key to the Duchess’ bedchamber
  • Lighting: the total darkness (engineered by Ferdinand) at the start of Act 4 Sc 1
  • The ‘echo’ heard by Antonio in Act 5 Sc 3
  • The song and dance of the madmen in Act 4 Sc 2
  • A threatening and intimidating prop. Perhaps a phallic symbol or an assertion of masculinity.
  • A prop used to torture and torment a female character.
  • A device used to expose a secret leading to dramatic irony and tragic consequences.
  • A dramatic device/prop allowing one character to overhear another’s secrets.
  • Manipulation of lighting used for powerful literal and metaphorical effect.
  • Sound effect used to create pathos
  • Music and dance used to introduce the theme of madness.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

  • Blanche’s paper lantern
  • Blanche’s luggage trunk
  • The Varsouviana music
  • The bus ticket to Laurel (bought by Stanley)
  • The sound of the locomotive outside Stanley’s apartment
  • Blanche’s love letters
  • The Poker cards and drink bottles
  • A prop that is central to light and dark motifs.
  • A prop that is used to symbolise the threat of male violence and violation.
  • Music used to symbolise the threat of madness / possible madness / inner turmoil.
  • A prop used to torment a vulnerable character.
  • A sound effect that may be associated with ideas such as industrialisation and male dominance.
  • A prop symbolising deeply personal secrets.
  • Props symbolising masculinity and the overwhelming sense of it being a ‘man’s world’..