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a. How does Nora's character
development throughout the play
reflect the theme of
independence?
Nora becomes independent when
she decides to leave and find her
true self.
Answer:
b. Discuss one societal norm
portrayed in "A Doll's House" and
its impact on the characters.
The play shows that women were
expected to obey their husbands,
which made Nora feel trapped.
Answer:
c. In your opinion, what message
is Ibsen conveying through Nora's
ultimate decision to leave?
The play shows that women were
expected to obey their husbands,
which made Nora feel trapped.
Answer:
The pictures show people thinking
and getting ideas.
Answer:
1.
Thoughts
The pictures show different feelings
such as sadness, fear, anger, or
Answer:
2.
Emotions
The pictures show reasons why people
act or do something.
Answer:
3.
Motivations
Understanding a
character’s thoughts,
emotions, and
motivations helps us
understand their actions
in a drama.
Today’s Lesson:
Directions: Read and understand the
meaning of each vocabulary word.
1. Actions – what a character does
2. Motives/Motivations – reasons for
actions
3. Emotions – feelings
4. Psychological Context – thoughts and
feelings that affect behavior
5. Stream of Consciousness – a character’s
Now that you have examined the
sociocultural aspect of the play "A Doll's
House" and grasped a better
comprehension of the characters, it is
time to delve into the psychological
dimension. It is crucial to explore the
emotions, motivations, and behaviors
of the characters to gain a deeper
insight into the text.
Group Roles:
 Facilitator – leads the discussion and checks the time
 Notetakers – write the important ideas
 Analyzers – explain the passage in simpler words
 Reporters – presents the group’s output to the class.
 Summarizer – gives a brief summary of the discussion/report
 Vocabulary Master – identifies unfamiliar words and explains
their meanings
 Reflection leader – leads the group’s reflection on what they
learned and how they worked together.
Group 1: Understanding the Characters
Beyond Words and Actions
When we talk about the psychological context
in literature, we are looking at a deeper
understanding of characters' thoughts,
feelings,reasons, and actions in a story. By going
deep into what drives characters, readers can
unravel why they behave the way they do and
how their inner struggles shape the storyline. This
method adds richness and depth to the narrative,
making it easier for readers to grasp the text as a
Group 2: Uncovering the Layers of
Character Psychology
By examining the psychological context of
characters, we move beyond just what characters
do and say to reveal the underlying causes of their
actions. For instance, a character's difficult past
might clarify why they have certain fears and
insecurities, giving insight into their choices
throughout the tale. Understanding what
motivates characters on a psychological level
allows readers to relate to their challenges,
Group 3: Recognizing the Complexity of
Characters
Characters, like people, are intricate beings
with various sides. Fictional characters should
reflect this intricate nature. By exploring the
internal battles, wants, and beliefs of
characters, readers can immerse themselves
more deeply in the story and understand the
complexities of human nature depicted in
literature.
Group 4: Discovering Deeper Themes
and Meanings
Analyzing the psychological context can also
reveal themes and messages that might not be
immediately obvious. The characters' inner
struggles often mirror broader societal
problems, philosophical inquiries, or moral
dilemmas. By looking at characters through a
psychological lens, readers can find hidden
symbols, allegories, and themes that enhance
the overall significance of the text.
Group 5: Uncovering the Layers of
Character Psychology
By examining the psychological context of
characters, we move beyond just what
characters do and say to reveal the underlying
causes of their actions. For instance, a character's
difficult past might clarify why they have certain
fears and insecurities, giving insight into their
choices throughout the tale. Understanding what
motivates characters on a psychological level
allows readers to relate to their challenges,
We will study how characters’ thoughts,
feelings, and motives are shown through:
Analyzing Characters in A Doll’s House
Dialogue – what they say
Actions – what they do
Reactions – how they respond
Torvald: [calls out from his room] Is that my little lark twittering
out there?
Nora: [busy opening some of the parcels] Yes, it is!
Torvald: Is it my little squirrel bustling about?
Nora: Yes!
Torvald: When did my squirrel come home?
Nora: Just now.
Text Focus: Excerpt from A Doll’s House
Nora: Come in here, Torvald, and see what I have
bought.
Torvald: Don't disturb me.
Stage Direction: [A little later, he opens the door
and looks into the room, pen in hand.]
Torvald: Bought, did you say? All these things? Has
my little spendthrift been wasting money again?
Stage Direction: [Puts the bag of macaroons into her
pocket and wipes her mouth.]
1.What does Torvald think about
Nora?
Torvald sees Nora as childish, weak,
and dependent on him.
Expected
Answer:
Guide Question:
2. What words does Torvald use to
describe Nora?
He calls her “little skylark,” “little
squirrel,” and “little spendthrift.”
Expected
Answer:
Guide Question:
3.How does Nora respond to
Torvald?
Nora answers politely and tries to
please him.
Expected
Answer:
Guide Question:
4. What do their words show
about their relationship?
Their relationship shows control,
inequality, and lack of respect for
Nora’s independence.
Expected
Answer:
Guide Question:
Torvald uses sweet names like “little
skylark” and “little squirrel.”
The names sound loving, but they show
that Torvald treats Nora as weak or childish.
Summary:
Psychological Context
Expected Understanding:
Expected Understanding:
The excerpt shows control, power, and
inequality in their relationship.
It shows that men and women
should be treated fairly.
Answer:
What do you see? What theme does it
show?
Equality
It shows emotions, stress, or inner
struggles.
Answer:
What do you see? What theme does it
show?
Mental State
It shows growth or change in a
person’s life.
Answer:
What do you see? What theme does it
show?
Character Development
Analyzing Psychological
Elements in a Play using
the techniques of Stream
of Consciousness and
Freudian psychological
theory
Stream of Consciousness
We see inside the
character’s mind.
Simple idea:
Stream of consciousness
shows a character’s thoughts
and feelings as they happen.
Freudian Psychological Theory
Hidden feelings
can affect actions.
Simple idea:
Freudian theory focuses on
hidden thoughts, fears, and
desires.