The creative use of dramatic performance in the senior high school and college introductory literature classroom involves students as participants rather than as spectators, and encourages recognition and understanding of poetic images, character relationships, symbols, and other literary principles essential to comprehend if students are to discern the author's thematic intent or to acquire a rewarding first taste of literature. A teacher can combine dramatics with literature by using the following techniques: (1) discussing the historical period of the selected literature, (2) encouraging students to visualize the period in terms of customs and manners through the use of music and slides, and (3) involving the students in simulating the attitudes of the characters as detailed in the literature and imitating the actions suggested by the story line. Other techniques include "staging" the literature by reading it in an environment similar to the story setting and using appropriate props. (AEA)