Dramatic Tension in “The Royal Hunt of the Sun” Essay

How does Shaffer fix and use dramatic tension in The Royal Hunt of the cheer and to what effect?The Royal Hunt of the Sun is a gripping play about the journey of the Spanish army sent to conquer Peru, and the unlikely acquaintances that are formed. Shaffer creates dramatic tension with a number of techniques such(prenominal) as the use of Martin to narrate the tier to the audience, a unique and powerful use of sounds, and the use of emblematic props and duologue scenes that create dramatic irony. He in any case employs a number of methods to show the contrasts and similarities of religion, culture and philosophy amongst the Inca and Spanish armies.Shaffer initially uses Martins narration to foreshadow the ensuing disastrous events. anile Martin generates the audiences attention at the precise start of the play by saying This story is about ruin. This creates dramatic irony and suggests a treacherous and threatening atmosphere. In The Mime of the Great upgrade Old Martin spe aks about the tribulation the army faced we crept forward like blind men, the sweat freezing on our faces in order to gain the sympathy of the audience. Old Martins emotions are showed in diverse ways throughout the play, Look at the warrior where he struts salvation in his new spurs. One of the k nights at last.Here Shaffer uses Old Martins cynicism and bitterness to exaggerate the loss of youthful Martins innocence and childishness and gain the empathy of the audience. As the story unfolds, the reason for Old Martins pessimism becomes clear to the audience, I went out into the night and dropped my first tears as a man Devotion never came again. Here Shaffer uses Old Martins reflection on his past as a window through which the audience can figure how Martins broken youth shaped him as a man, and uses realism to involve then in the action onstage, creating suspense.Shaffer necessitates use of stage directions, which play a big part in revealing the symbolisation of the perform ance, and creating dramatic tension. The use of Tropical bid cries throughout the play creates a dangerous and threatening atmosphere, and hints at the power Atahuallpa has over Peru and the Spanish army. During the climb of the Spanish Army to reach the city, Shaffer usesan eerie, cold music make from the thin whine of huge saws. This creates an unnerving atmosphere, putting the audience on edge. Symbolic props also play a large part in creating contrasting moods throughout the performance.Four black crucifixes, alter to resemble swords are placed on the lynchpin wall, criticizing the hypocrisy of the church, and the use of religion as a pretext for landing whilst representing the conflicted and violent theme. During the course of the play, Shaffer uses the imagery of the golden sun which is placed at the back of the stage. Diego drives his halberd into a slot in one of the rays. This symbolizes the destruction of the Inca empire, and once again sound is used to create tension w hen The sun proves a deep groan, like the sound of a immense animal macrocosm wounded. Here the personification of the sun creates sympathy and compassion amongst the audience.Peter Shaffer uses scenes of duologue between the main characters to consider the audience an insight into the relationships between them, and create dramatic irony. During the play there are moments where Pizarro is alone with Young Martin, and speaks to him in confidence here the audience is encouraged to sympathize with the characters predicaments and anxieties. When Pizarro warns Young Martin that the Army is Nothing be berths years of Us against Them the audience becomes aware of the extreme differences in their opinions and views, which creates great tension and unrest between the characters. Shaffer enables Pizarro to freely suggest the extent of is own greed and betrayal during his duologue scenes with Martin, if the time ever came for you to beset me, Id rip you too, easy as look at you.Here Sha ffer creates more tension, create the audience to question Pizarros loyalty to Martin, whilst hinting at the slightly more staminatevolent and spiteful side to Pizarro. The duologue scenes between Pizarro and Atahuallpa allow the audience to see the fragile and personal characteristics of the otherwise powerful, dominant male figures. At first Atahuallpa shows his lack of distrust in Pizarro when proclaiming him dishonest you have no swear to give. Atahuallpa takes a leap of faith and trusts his captor, to the surprise of the audience, creating an uneasy and nervous atmosphere. You make me laugh (In sudden wonder) You make me laugh It is at this point in the play that Pizarro realizes he has formed a genuine friendshipwith Atahuallpa, and the audience feels the tension rise once again as Pizarro is forced to decide the fate of Atahuallpa.A main theme of the play is the contrast between the Inca and Spanish cultures. Atahuallpa is nearly always shown sitting luxuriously up in fron t of the golden sun, showing his power and authority, whereas the Spaniards wore heavy, clumsy clothing, which symbolizes their awkwardness in the outside land, and their ignorance of other cultures. Domingo says God-dammed place. Im starting to rust. This could indicate of the immorality and true objectives of their journey. The Spanish consider Atahuallpa to be just one savage when in fact he is the core of the Inca society, this is shown throughout the play. Atahuallpa finds it difficult to apprehend the Spanish way of life as the Incan religion and society was built on concepts and rest rather than material wealth and gain, creating tension.Despite many differences, both religions believe in a coercive being who would rise from the dead. Until Pizarro met Atahuallpa, he had lost faith in all conventional religion, and exclaimed, Im going to die And the thought of that dark has rotted everything for me. Atahuallpa gave him a new sense of belonging and introduced him to the In ca religion, call back in me. I will give a word and fill you with joy. Pizarro found this concept very attractive and was instantly fascinated by Atahuallpa. This creates tension and increases the audiences interest in the story. The great contrasts between the two cultures and the similarities between the two men create a sense of mystery and arise tension as the story continues, this is greatened by the audiences knowledge that Pizarro will have to kill Atahuallpa.Shaffer uses stages directions, imagery, sound and narration to create an ongoing sense of tension throughout the play, it is extremely effective. I peculiarly enjoy his use of duologue scenes to create tension and allow the audience to gain an insight into the story.