The play Time Flies written by David Ives chronicles the story of two mayflies, Horace and May, as they discover that their entire lifespan is only one day and they have just hours left to live. Because it is a play, it is meant to be performed by actors on a stage and the emotion they convey can add to the sense of despair and confusion felt by the flies. There is also the added visual element of a giant clock in the back of the set that becomes more and more noticeable as they realize their time is running out and contribute to their increasing hysteria. Also, the element of the audience and the shared experience and emotions increase the impact of the meaning in a way that is not possible with any other type of written work. These elements enhance the emotions felt by the characters and the audience to convey its themes of valuing time and breaking social conventions to inspire change in those who see the play. However, the play is limited to some degree by the constraints of drama. The actors can't safely and convincingly fly around on stage (obviously) and events and sets are limited by what is even possible to act out. Imagination is limited because even in a comedy about flies there still has to be a sense of realism in the play, but if it was in the form of fiction the reader would be willing to accept anything as true. In the end, the impact of the meaning combined with entertainment value greatly outweigh the limitations presented by the dramatic genre and Time Flies is definitely meant to be seen as a play.
-Elise P.
I agree with the fact that the characters can use emotion to their benefit to convey the despair felt by the mayflies. I feel that a drama, despite some of the limitations, is the best form of literature for this story line. Because the play is comprised of humans playing flies, that "awkward element" is added, which displays the despair and awkwardness faced by the mayflies. Body language also serves a major role in this play, which only a drama can fully display.
ReplyDelete- Geena C.