Elizabethan Drama · English Literature

The 'Induction' in an Elizabethan play like 'The Taming of the Shrew' or 'The Old Wives' Tale' serves what purpose?

  1. It provides a moral summary after the final act
  2. It is a framing story that introduces the main play
  3. It is the final dance performed by the full cast
  4. It is a musical interlude performed between two acts
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Correct answer: It is a framing story that introduces the main play

An induction is an introductory scene standing outside the main action, often featuring characters who then watch the play alongside the audience. It is a metadramatic device used to comment on the nature of theatre, as seen in 'The Taming of the Shrew' and 'The Old Wives' Tale'.

Difficulty: Medium Question 18 of 19

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