Dramatism

Dramatism is a method of analyzing human action and motivation as a form of symbolic action. Developed by Kenneth Burke, it views life as a drama, where individuals are actors, actions are performances, and the stage is the social setting. It focuses on the elements of the 'dramatic pentad': Act (what took place), Scene (where it took place), Agent (who performed the act), Agency (how the act was performed), and Purpose (why the act was performed). Through analyzing these elements, one can understand the underlying motivations, conflicts, and symbolic meanings embedded within human interactions and communications. This framework helps uncover the narratives, ideologies, and power dynamics that shape our understanding of the world and how we relate to each other.

Dramatism meaning with examples

• Analyzing a political speech through dramatism reveals the candidate's strategic use of language (Agency) to frame a specific event (Act) within a favorable context (Scene). The candidate, as the Agent, aims to create a sense of shared purpose (Purpose) with the audience, influencing their perception of the situation. This perspective highlights how language and rhetorical devices are employed to construct meaning and persuade voters.
• A sociologist used dramatism to study a court trial. The courtroom (Scene) becomes the stage where lawyers (Agents) perform their arguments (Act). Witnesses provide additional information about the alleged act, using specific evidence (Agency) and trying to show the jurors (Purpose) the defendant's guilt or innocence. The judge monitors the stage and makes determinations based on the evidence presented.
• Examining a family argument through dramatism highlights how individuals (Agents) interpret and respond to specific events (Acts) within the family setting (Scene). Analyzing the chosen methods of communication (Agency) such as tone of voice or threats and the underlying goals (Purpose) allows us to dissect the family's relational patterns and uncover the roots of any disagreements.
• An advertisement can be examined through dramatism, with products as Agents, the advertisement itself as an Act, and the consumer’s desired lifestyle as the Scene. The use of specific imagery and language (Agency) aims to persuade consumers to purchase the product (Purpose). By considering the pentad, the persuasive strategies and implied motivations are examined for their efficacy.