Functions of a Chorus:
* Commentator: The chorus can act as a collective voice, offering commentary on the action, characters, and themes. They can provide insights, foreshadowing, or reflections on the play's larger meaning.
* Emotional Amplifier: By expressing reactions to events and characters, the chorus can heighten the play's emotional impact. They can amplify feelings of joy, sorrow, fear, or suspense.
* Bridging Narrative: The chorus can connect scenes, transitions, and different time periods. They can provide exposition or background information, guiding the audience through the story's structure.
* Symbolic Representation: Often, the chorus represents a larger group or society's views, reflecting the prevailing attitudes and beliefs of the time.
* Direct Address: Choruses may directly address the audience, breaking the fourth wall and engaging them in the play's themes and concerns.
Functions of a Narrator:
* Objective Observer: A narrator provides an external perspective, observing and commenting on the characters and their actions. They can offer a neutral or biased viewpoint, shaping the audience's understanding of the story.
* Storyteller: The narrator typically functions as the primary voice, telling the story and guiding the audience through its intricacies. They can introduce characters, explain situations, and move the plot forward.
* Revealer of Inner Thoughts: A narrator can reveal characters' inner thoughts, feelings, and motivations, providing insights that might not be evident through dialogue alone.
* Voice of Authority: Narrators can establish a sense of authority, enhancing the credibility of the story and the impact of its themes.
Examples:
* Greek Tragedy: The chorus in ancient Greek plays played a crucial role, commenting on the action, expressing the community's feelings, and providing moral guidance.
* Shakespeare's Plays: While Shakespeare doesn't use a traditional chorus, he employs characters who act as narrators or provide commentary, like the witches in *Macbeth* or the Chorus in *Henry V*.
* Modern Theatre: Playwrights like Thornton Wilder ( *Our Town* ) and Stephen Sondheim ( *Sweeney Todd*) utilize narrators to enhance their storytelling and address the audience directly.
Ultimately, whether a playwright uses a chorus or narrator depends on their creative choices and the desired effect on the audience. These devices provide valuable tools for shaping the story, exploring themes, and creating a powerful theatrical experience.