Drama: A Graphic Novel

Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2012

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Act I

Act II

Act III

Act IV-Intermission

Act V

Act VI

Act VII-Final Act

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Symbols & Motifs

The Cannon Stage Prop

The cannon represents Callie’s character. She’s ambitious and imaginative, which is why she originally wanted the cannon to be a real pyrotechnic device. And when she cannot practically accomplish this, she labors fastidiously and determinedly in order to design the cannon as a confetti launcher. The cannon therefore functions as a symbol of her tireless dedication to her craft. It also symbolizes her unique, resourceful intelligence: She designs the contraption herself, from scratch, and her accomplishment helps prove to Mr. Madera and Loren that she deserves to be next year’s stage manager. Her lone instinct that the cannon would be a huge audience draw also proves correct, as it ultimately and substantially boosts ticket sales for the play.

Callie’s Formal Dress

The costume dress that Callie wears to the eighth-grade formal is a key symbol. When Callie first finds this dress in the costume vault, she falls in love with it. She even admits that such beautiful costumes provide her the only occasion to be jealous of the students who are in the spotlight during plays. We also know that Callie originally wanted to be a stage performer in musicals, but realized that she did not have the musical talent for it. The dress, and the admission that it provokes from Callie, is therefore a poignant symbol within the narrative. It symbolizes Callie’s tender hopes and dreams. And when she wears it to the eighth-grade formal, it represents the fact that all of her dreams are coming true.

Drama

“Drama” is a double entendre. Firstly, the word invokes theater, as it is a synonym for play. “Drama” is also a genre designation within the theatrical and literary arts. However, colloquially, the word can also refer to emotional and/or animated exchanges between people. Tweens and teens, with their heightened emotions, are often referred to as “dramatic,” with their emotional exchanges with each other being known as “drama.” The invocation of both the theater world and the world of tweens is therefore invoked through Telgemeier’s title to the work. And throughout the narrative, both elements are highly developed through intricate details about Callie’s life, which revolves around both the theater and her peer relationships. We therefore follow along as drama develops in both ways: as the drama production becomes a reality and Callie’s interpersonal drama builds to a fever pitch.