Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 14 AIL 1334 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Play Within a Play
Captions available
The idea
A play within a play stages a performance inside the performance, letting characters watch something the audience also watches. The glossary has no headword. Hamlet uses one to test Claudius, which makes the device a plot instrument rather than an ornament.
In practice
A performance inside the performance.
Where people slip
An instrument, not an ornament.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
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