Actor Quote by S. I. Hayakawa
![“In the case of drama (stage, movies, television ), there appear to be people in almost every audience who never quite fully realize that a play is a set of fictional, symbolic representations. An actor is one who symbolizes other people, real or imagined. [...] Also some years ago it was reported…” quote by S. I. Hayakawa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d10/s-i-hayakawa-15018_actors_in-the-case-of-drama-stage-movies-televi_548778.jpg)
“In the case of drama (stage, movies, television ), there appear to be people in almost every audience who never quite fully realize that a play is a set of fictional, symbolic representations. An actor is one who symbolizes other people, real or imagined. [...] Also some years ago it was reported that when Edward G. Robinson, who used to play gangster roles with extraordinary vividness, visited Chicago, local hoodlums would telephone him at his hotel to pay their professional respects.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Media and Perception, 1970s
The quote points out that audiences often miss the symbolic nature of drama, treating performances as literal, and illustrates how actors can be perceived as embodying real personas, influencing public interaction.
In simple terms: People often forget drama is symbolic, not literal.
Key Takeaway
Recognize symbolism in media and separate performance from reality.
Themes
media literacy
symbolism
audience perception
actor identity
public interaction
Mood
reflective
analytical
critical
Type
educational
cultural commentary
When to use this quote
- film criticism
- theater education
- media analysis
- public relations
Key Concepts
semiotics
performance theory
cultural studies
celebrity culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing symbolism change our media consumption?
- What responsibilities do actors have regarding public perception?
A Different Perspective
Audiences may conflate fiction with reality, affecting judgments.
