Where Seinfeld and Aristotle Meet

Looking for an irreverent but entirely legitimate way to supplement your teaching and discussion of drama?

Check out "The Chinese Restaurant" episode of Seinfeld. This classic episode is, in reality, a comedic one-act play that strictly adheres to Aristotle's unities of action, time, and place.

Here's how:

• The episode is set exclusively in the Chinese restaurant, satisfying the unity of place.
• The episode unfolds in real time (well within Aristotle's 24 hr. limit), satisfying the unity of time.
• The episode features one plot line--Jerry, George and Elaine's futile efforts to get a table and eat before the start of the movie they want to see--satifying the unity of action.