Play Structure Analysis

Somewhere is a complex plot with continuous reversal and recognition, which starts at the climax. Recognition occurs when Corin discovers the truth about his dad, when Diana leaves, and when Alexander realizes the vision is not of a safe place for them but about Cassandra turning into butterflies. 

 

It matches the general plot structure. The exposition takes place from pages 1-43 and establishes the status of the world. The plan to follow the butterflies, Diana’s restlessness, and then the discovery and confusion with the tendrils. The inciting incident occurs on page 44 at the end of act one when the butterflies arrive on the truffle farm. The rising action is consistent with the following events: the arrival of Cassandra and Alexander on the farm, learning what the tendrils are, Corin cutting himself, Eph confiding in Alexander about Corin’s dad, and Sybil Discovering Diana’s buried object. Then the climax is the discovery of Corin’s tendril hand on page 93. This is the largest recognition and the point of no return. This leads to the revealing of the truth about Corin’s dad; everyone being kicked off the farm; Diana leaving; Cassandra’s sickness; the discovery that Sybil is trying for a baby; and realizing the vision is not a safe place for them. Lastly, the falling action unravels the story: Eph and Corin apologize and reach an understanding; Eph comforts Sybil; Cassandra, Alexander, and Diana leave for the coast; Cassandra turns into a butterfly. 

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​Throughout the play they all come to terms with the doom around them. Thus this play falls into Aristotle's definition of a tragedy; traveling through pity and fear to catharsis. Catharsis ultimately comes when Cassandra turns into butterflies.