They began with a journal entry with the question:
They divided the class into 5 groups with each group having a different question.
1) Describe what kind of “enemy” Dr. Stockmann believes he is. Who does he believe he is an enemy to, and why? In Act III, how does Dr. Stockmann show his pride at that, even in anger?
2) The definition of “enemy” is in the eyes of the beholder. Identify the different types of enemies in the play (excluding Dr. Stockmann), and compare and contrast what different types there are.
(cowardice, greed, hypocritical, irrational, corrupt, , political, secret agendas ect…)
3) The mob, or “herd” mentality throughout the play is reflective of what condition(s) of the masses and political system in the play?
How does one person’s struggle to do the right thing, leave Dr. Stockmann and his family on the losing side of an unfair fight?
(Meaning, how did power and politics influence the situation, and how did the herd mentality occur?)
4) “You are fighting for the truth, and that’s why you are alone. And that makes you strong. We’re the strongest people in the world…and the strong must learn to be lonely (Gwynn, 1062)”
Dissect and explain Stockmann’s speech, describing strength and loneliness being the result/consequence of doing the right thing. Who else in history has been in a similar situation? Include the so-called “good guys” or “bad guys” of history.
5) How may “An Enemy of the People,” have been scandalous when published, and why? What themes or content could have been, or was, shocking or uncharted in Norway (or anywhere else in the world) when Ibsen published in 1882? (It was adapted by Miller in 1950).
(Give examples of conversations or actions in Act III that reflect or play out these themes.)
My group worked on the second question. Ian came up with a definition of "enemy" and we took it from there. Krista, Lisa, Ian, and I had a lively discussion on how everyone in the play was an enemy to someone else. We narrowed down our categories. Krista did a great job with the presentation. Ian had his notes very well organized and even highlighted phrases to help bring out the important points. I love working with these literary laureates.
This assignment given by Megan and Mason was very well thought out and force the class to really think about the questions that were presented. Every group gave great answers and although they were all different, everyone had the same general ideas.
ReplyDeleteThis assignment was very well prepared. I felt like a cheater, though, because I seemed to do very well with my journal entry. I did act II for my TA for the Day, so I knew the inside scoop:) Megan and Mason did a great job working together, and it seems as if the TA for a Day really helps us with our relationships with the people in our class.
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