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Writing for Vaudeville
Writing for Vaudeville

Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

Chapter 13 of Writing for Vaudeville is here in full — 231 sentences across 47 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/46 · 5 lines
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THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.
This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.
Indeed, at that moment even the most self-sure becomes conscious of the demands of the dramatic.
Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.
In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Writing for Vaudeville

Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

Chapter 13 of Writing for Vaudeville is here in full — 231 sentences across 47 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/46 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.
Line 2
This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.
/ðɪs dɪˈskʌʃən ɪz pleɪst hiːr ɪn ðə ˈsiːkwəns ʌv ˈtʃæptərz bɪˈkɔːz ɪt fɜːrst bɪˈɡɪnz tuː ˈtrʌbəl ðə ˈnɑːvəs ˈæftər hiː hæz ækˈseptɪd hɪz dʒɜːrm aɪˈdiːə ənd bɪˈfɔːr hiː hæz səkˈsiːdɪd ɪn ˈkæstɪŋ ɪt ˈɪntuː ə steɪdʒ ˈstɔːri/
Line 3
Indeed, at that moment even the most self-sure becomes conscious of the demands of the dramatic.
Line 4
Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.
Line 5
In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

germ noun US /dʒɜːrm/

anything that provides inspiration for later work

From this reading “This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.”

inseparable adjective US /ˌɪnˈsepərəbəl/

not capable of being separated

From this reading “Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.”

integral adjective US /ˈɪntəɡrəl/

existing as an essential constituent or characteristic

From this reading “Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.”

novice noun US /ˈnɑːvəs/

someone who has entered a religious order but has not taken final vows

From this reading “This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.”

overlap verb US /ˈoʊvərlæp/

coincide partially or wholly

From this reading “Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.”

precede verb US /prɪˈsiːd/

be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading “Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.”

precedes verb US /prɪˈsiːdz/

third-person singular of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading “In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.”

sequence noun US /ˈsiːkwəns/

serial arrangement in which things follow in logical order or a recurrent pattern

From this reading “This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.”

All words in this reading · 123

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

acceptancenounUS /ækˈseptəns/

the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

acceptedadjectiveUS /ækˈseptɪd/

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

applicationnounUS /ˌæpləˈkeɪʃən/

the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Indeed, at that moment even the most self-sure becomes conscious of the demands of the dramatic.

attemptnounUS /əˈtempt/

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

attentionnounUS /əˈtenʃən/

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

becomesverbUS /bɪˈkʌmz/

third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Indeed, at that moment even the most self-sure becomes conscious of the demands of the dramatic.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

beginsnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnz/

plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

briefadjectiveUS /briːf/

of short duration or distance

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

casenounUS /keɪs/

an occurrence of something

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

castingnounUS /ˈkæstɪŋ/

object formed by a mold

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

chapternounUS /ˈtʃæptər/

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

chaptersnounUS /ˈtʃæptərz/

plural of “chapter” — a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

comicadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmɪk/

arousing or provoking laughter

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

consciousadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnʃəs/

intentionally conceived

From this reading Indeed, at that moment even the most self-sure becomes conscious of the demands of the dramatic.

considerationnounUS /kənˌsɪdərˈeɪʃən/

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

consideredadjectiveUS /kənˈsɪdərd/

carefully weighed

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

demandsnounUS /dɪˈmændz/

plural of “demand” — an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading Indeed, at that moment even the most self-sure becomes conscious of the demands of the dramatic.

discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

DRAMATICadjectiveUS /drəˈmætɪk/

suitable to or characteristic of drama

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

ELEMENTnounUS /ˈeləmənt/

an abstract part of something

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

emotionaladjectiveUS /ɪˈmoʊʃənəl/

determined or actuated by emotion rather than reason

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

followverbUS /ˈfɑːloʊ/

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

forcingverbUS /ˈfɔːrsɪŋ/

-ing form of “force” — to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

formaladjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrməl/

being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

germnounUS /dʒɜːrm/

anything that provides inspiration for later work

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

hereadverbUS /hiːr/

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

highadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

ideanounUS /aɪˈdiːə/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

IndeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, at that moment even the most self-sure becomes conscious of the demands of the dramatic.

inseparableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsepərəbəl/

not capable of being separated

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

insistedverbUS /ˌɪnˈsɪstəd/

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

integraladjectiveUS /ˈɪntəɡrəl/

existing as an essential constituent or characteristic

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

keynounUS /kiː/

metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

linenounUS /laɪn/

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

matternounUS /ˈmætər/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/

a particular point in time

From this reading Indeed, at that moment even the most self-sure becomes conscious of the demands of the dramatic.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading Indeed, at that moment even the most self-sure becomes conscious of the demands of the dramatic.

necessitynounUS /nəˈsesəti/

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

novicenounUS /ˈnɑːvəs/

someone who has entered a religious order but has not taken final vows

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

overlapverbUS /ˈoʊvərlæp/

coincide partially or wholly

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

particularlyadverbUS /ˌpɑːrˈtɪkjələrli/

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

phrasenounUS /freɪz/

an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

pitchedadjectiveUS /pɪtʃt/

(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

placedadjectiveUS /pleɪst/

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

playedadjectiveUS /pleɪd/

(of games) engaged in

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

playletnoun

a short play

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

PLOTnounUS /plɑːt/

a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

pointedadjectiveUS /ˈpɔɪntɪd/

having a point

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/

capable of happening or existing

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

precedeverbUS /prɪˈsiːd/

be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

precedesverbUS /prɪˈsiːdz/

third-person singular of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

previousadjectiveUS /ˈpriːviəs/

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

primeadjectiveUS /praɪm/

first in rank or degree

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

principlesnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəlz/

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

purposenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəs/

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

requiresverbUS /riˈkwaɪərz/

third-person singular of “require” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

scenenounUS /siːn/

the place where some action occurs

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

self-sure

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Indeed, at that moment even the most self-sure becomes conscious of the demands of the dramatic.

separateverbUS /ˈsepəreɪt/

act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

sequencenounUS /ˈsiːkwəns/

serial arrangement in which things follow in logical order or a recurrent pattern

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

seriousadjectiveUS /ˈsɪriəs/

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

stagenounUS /steɪdʒ/

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

storynounUS /ˈstɔːri/

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

structurenounUS /ˈstrʌktʃər/

a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

succeededverbUS /səkˈsiːdɪd/

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

termsnounUS /tɜːrmz/

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Indeed, at that moment even the most self-sure becomes conscious of the demands of the dramatic.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

theorynounUS /ˈθɪri/

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

thinkingnounUS /ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

tonenounUS /toʊn/

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

troublenounUS /ˈtrʌbəl/

a source of difficulty

From this reading This discussion is placed here in the sequence of chapters, because it first begins to trouble the novice after he has accepted his germ idea, and before he has succeeded in casting it into a stage story.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

VITALadjectiveUS /ˈvaɪtəl/

urgently needed; absolutely necessary

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

volumenounUS /ˈvɑːljuːm/

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

WhatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading THE DRAMATIC--THE VITAL ELEMENT OF PLOT What the dramatic is--no matter whether it be serious or comic in tone--requires some consideration in a volume such as this, even though but a brief discussion is possible and only a line of thought may be pointed out.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

wordsnounUS /wɜːrdz/

the words that are spoken

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

writingnounUS /ˈraɪtɪŋ/

the act of creating written works

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

YetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet this chapter will be found to overlap some that precede it and some that follow--particularly the chapter on plot structure, of which this discussion may be considered an integral part--as is the case in every attempt to put into formal words, principles separate in theory, but inseparable in application.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading In the previous chapter, the conscious thought that precedes even the acceptance of a germ idea was insisted on--it was "played up," as the stage phrase terms a scene in which the emotional key is pitched high--with the purpose of forcing upon your attention the prime necessity of thinking out--not yet writing--the playlet.

Chapter 13 of Writing for Vaudeville by Brett Page holds 231 sentences, grouped into 47 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 13 of Writing for Vaudeville contain?

Chapter 13 holds 231 sentences of Writing for Vaudeville, unabridged, divided into 47 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 13 of Writing for Vaudeville by Brett Page exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 231 sentences, grouped into 47 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 13 of Writing for Vaudeville?

Work through the 47 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 47 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 13 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 13 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Writing for Vaudeville

Common questions about reading Writing for Vaudeville by Brett Page on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Writing for Vaudeville?

Yes. All 8934 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #5328 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Writing for Vaudeville is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #5328, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Writing for Vaudeville take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1787 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Writing for Vaudeville section by section

How to work through Writing for Vaudeville section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 25 chapters of Writing for Vaudeville to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Writing for Vaudeville

Words and structures a reader meets early in Writing for Vaudeville, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

French
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Writing for Vaudeville; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Workman
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Writing for Vaudeville; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Lived
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Writing for Vaudeville; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Valley
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Writing for Vaudeville; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.