I Am American, by Jennifer Tibbetts © This play is reprinted from Plays, The Drama Magazine for Young People with the permission of the publisher Plays/Sterling Partners Inc. 897 Washington Street #600160, Newton, MA 02460

Question

Question
How does repetition affect the structure of the play?(1 point)
Responses

Repeated lines (“I am American”) and devices (pantomime) reinforce the similarities between stories.
Repeated lines (“I am American”) and devices (pantomime) reinforce the similarities between stories.

Repeated silent entrances and exits indicate that many conflicts go unresolved.
Repeated silent entrances and exits indicate that many conflicts go unresolved.

Repeated dates (1634, 1847, 1863) call attention to the scope of the nation’s history.
Repeated dates (1634, 1847, 1863) call attention to the scope of the nation’s history.

Repeated rhythms in drums and dance suggest a single unified heartbeat.

Answer 1

Repetition in "I Am American" serves various purposes in its structure. One way it affects the play is through repeated lines such as “I am American,” which reinforces the similarities between the characters' stories and experiences. This refrain acts as a reminder of shared identity, creating a cohesive narrative thread that ties the diverse stories together.

Additionally, the use of repeated silent entrances and exits emphasizes the ongoing nature of conflict in American history, indicating that many issues remain unresolved.

The repetition of significant dates (1634, 1847, 1863) highlights the vast timeline of the nation’s history, allowing the audience to consider the long-standing experiences and struggles that define what it means to be American.

Finally, the incorporation of repeated rhythms in drums and dance suggests unity and a collective heartbeat, symbolizing the interconnectedness of individuals within the broader American experience.

In summary, repetition in various forms enhances the themes of identity, conflict, historical scope, and unity throughout the play.