Scene

The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms - Ross Murfin 2018

Scene

Scene: Traditionally, a subdivision of an act in drama. Today, however, many playwrights dispense with acts and compose plays that involve a series of scenes. Transitions between scenes are usually indicated by logical breaks in the action and dialogue and by the lowering and raising of the curtain in a conventional proscenium theater. In the classical French tradition, the entrances and exits of characters delineate the scenes in a play, but English theater has been less consistent in this regard. Reconfigured scenery, a change of setting, or (especially) indications that time has passed may indicate the commencement of a new scene in English drama. Distinguishing between scenes in modern works is often difficult and subject to critical debate.