Question

1. Select a parable from the New Testament (such as the prodigal son, the five foolish virgins, or the tares of the field) or an episode from the Old Testament (Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz; David and Goliath).
2. Reread the passage carefully, deciding what the emphasis should be.

3. Next, decide how many characters will be necessary, listing their Biblical names and a brief character description. Also visualize the setting, and describe it in a brief introduction.

4. Now write the scene in dialogue, using modern English. Your play should be no less than 250 words.

You will be graded on the following criteria:

1. Play contains a brief description of the setting and at least 250 words of dialogue.

2. Make sure your essay contains no errors in conventions such as spelling and grammar errors.

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Story: David and Goliath

Characters: Saul, David, Goliath, David’s brother, and the armies

Saul: dressed in fancier clothes than the others, long gray beard, a mix of superiority and fear in his eyes

David: modestly dressed as a peasant or a shepherd, no beard, red hair, thinner than the others

Goliath: around 7’, wearing a copper armor and helmet, pacing like a rabid dog

David’s brother: taller and more muscular than David, black beard, wearing a simpler armor

Armies: each gathered behind Saul and Goliath. Saul’s army seems scared, restless, while Goliath’s seems confident

Setting:  a sandy and rocky plateau, with patches of grass and bushes scattered

David approaches Saul

DAVID: Your Majesty, I’ve heard the giant has challenged us. Let me be the one to fight and defeat him.

SAUL: [surprised] What do you mean by that? Why would I let you of all people accept the giant’s challenge?

David’s brother pulls David to the side.

DAVID’S BROTHER: I’m sorry, Your Majesty. My brother doesn’t know what he is saying. [to David] Are you out of your mind? You’re a shepherd! What are you even doing here? You should be taking care of our father and his sheep. Instead, you’re making a fool of yourself and of our family, our name!

DAVID: You may have forgotten that God has anointed me, but I haven’t. I know my place in the world, even if you don’t.

David walks back to Saul

DAVID: My king, I am really just a shepherd. All I do every day, all day long, is to look after my father’s sheep out in the fields. To protect them, I have fought lions and bears. The giant Philistine is the same to me: a lion trying to murder the Lord’s sheep. I can assure you I’ll win. I have God fighting by my side.

SAUL: [slowly] All right, son. Put on the armor that belongs to me.

DAVID: I have never fought in an armor before. I wouldn’t be able to move. Let me go like this. God will be my shield.

SAUL: Then go. May the Lord be with you.

David walks toward Goliath.

GOLIATH: [screaming] What is this? What is this? Am I a dog or something? Are they trying to tease me or make fun of me?

The Philistine army behind Goliath laughs. David picks up five small rocks from the ground.

GOLIATH: Is this kid crazy? Poor boy, you are crazy! Let me put you out of your misery.

Goliath draws his sword. David uses his slingshot and hits him in the forehead. Goliath falls to the ground.