Nora of Henrik Ibsen

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This educational material aims to use an iconic character of universal drama to provide an example of how we can reduce clichés about gender differences. Our main aim is to use the example of Nora Helmer – the main character of Henrik Ibsen’s play – to start a discussion about the role of women within the family but also in society. With this material we aim to provide a basis for discussion proposing ways of using it with the aim to support changing education professionals’ minds.

TYPE OF THE ACTIVITY:

Video / Article

DURATION:

70 minutes

TEACHING AID:

Our method involves open dialogue, discussion and consists of a series of themes to be analysed based on the text written by Henrik Ibsen as well as some video material analysing the situation of the character Nora.

TEACHING PRACTICE (STEP BY STEP):

The first step in our method is to read Nora’s famous monologue in which she expresses her views on her role within the family and her decision to try to find her own way in society outside her family. This step also involves an analysis of the text and a careful discussion of the themes Nora raises. It is important that everyone involved in the course has access to the discussions and supports the dialogue by sharing their own views on the topic! (Duration: monologue – 3 min., discussions – 20 min.)

Second step:

Watch a short video in which Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe provides an in-depth analysis of the plot, characters, symbols, and themes of Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll’s House.

Starting from this video we try to analyze important themes explored in this play: sexism, the individual versus society, honesty, and self-awareness. (Duration: video – 12 min., discussions 20 – min.)

Final step:

In the end, we try to draw some conclusions focusing on themes such as:

– How did Nora Doll’s house impact society?

– The Sacrificial Role of Women

– Parental and Filial Obligations

– The constrictive nature of gender roles

(Duration: discussions 50 – min.)

MATERIALS:

Presentation for the context of the play and for the third activity step (pdf).

Detailed description of activities (doc).

Download/print this plan of the activity (pdf).

SOURCES: