BAnnecker – Honors English II

Dear students,

While I am away, I expect you to be self-directed learners and take today’s class very seriously. The more you put into the assigned activities, the more rewarding they will be (please forgive the cliché).

Assignment #1

  1. Read “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin. As always, you will be expected to annotate the story as you read. Think about how this story relates to Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. When you are finished reading, please answer on a separate sheet of paper the following questions. You may work in small groups (no more than 3-4 students). Every student needs to answer the questions. Do not simply turn in one paper for several students.

1.Consider the setting of the story. How does the limited setting highlight the major themes/ideas of the story? Do you notice any thematic similarities to A Doll’s House?

2.What is the nature of Mrs. Mallard’s “heart trouble”? Is this cardiovascular defect symbolic? What symbols have you observed in A Doll’s House?

3.Is there any indication that Brently Mallard is an unkind or restrictive husband or is there any other reason for her saying “free, free, free!” when she reflects on her life after her husband’s alleged death?

4.What is Mrs. Mallard’s name? When do we discover her name and what is the significance concerning the time of this discover?

5.What does Josephine represent in the story? Richards?

6.Is this story to be considered a feminist text or is there a universal, humanist connection (a philosophy that stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason) Do you think A Doll’s Houseis a feminist or humanist play?

7.How is the view of marriage in this story similar to Ibsen’s view of marriage in A Doll’s House?

Assignment #2 (Again, this activity can be completed in small groups)

  1. Consider the following quote - “Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive!”
  2. Create a Character Web using characters from A Doll’s House. Instead of simply listing the superficial relationships between the characters (ex. married to, father, mother, etc.) you will need to explain how the relationships between the characters convey the big ideas and themes found in the work. For example, you will not draw a line between Torvald and Nora and simply list “Husband and Wife,” but instead, you draw a line between Torvald and Nora and explain, in some detail, how their relationship reveals the themes and complexities of the work. If done correctly, your paper will be teeming with text. I can’t stress enough that you are not just filling up this web with plot summary.
  3. Be sure to address the following topics –

1.Gender- How are gender roles perceived by the characters in the play? What are the roles of men and women in the play? How do both genders display a lack of control? How are all of the characters trapped?

2.Materialism – Which characters are most affected by materialism? How does materialism affect the way characters view/interact with each other?Why do the materialistic characters in this play seem to value wealth and possessions to such a great extent?

3.Children – Which characters are treated like children? What significance, if any, do the Helmer children have on the play?

4.Corruption – This play seems to suggest that corruption is hereditary. How is this idea presented throughout the play? What is viewed as corrupt in this text?

5.Love – Discuss the difference between romantic love and familial love and how these differences are blurred throughout the play. How are love and self-sacrifice connected?

6.Reputation – Which characters are most affected by the need for respect? Which characters are not concerned with reputation? How does gender play a role in concern for respect?

7.Deceit – How do lies manifest themselves in the play? Which characters are deceitful and are their lies justifiable?

  1. Be sure to include all important characters (even characters that do not physically appear in the play).

Assignment #3

  1. Please watch a film version of A Doll’s House. This film is a bit dated, but the actors and director made some interesting choices that are worthy of our attention. . Please take notes while you watch over the following topics -

1.Changes made

2.Setting / Symbols / Presentation of Themes

3.Non-verbal actions made by the actors and how these actions affect our understanding of their characters.