Due March 26
In class, we discussed Naturalism and how the first scene of Ibsen’s Doll’s House demonstrates naturalistic elements in theatre. From the homework, read the section on âTheoryâ in Sierz, Naturalism in Digital Theatre+ [Library>Research Guides>Theatre> Audiovisual> Digital Theatre + >  search for âSierz Naturalismâ]. The reading contains two quotes by Emile Zola. Choose one. Make sure you read the entire section so you fully understand the quote.
Then, watch Dollâs House in Digital Theatre + [Library>Research Guides>Theatre>Audiovisual> Digital Theatre + > search for âDollâs House Productionâ]. Choose one scene from the production of the play that demonstrates Zola’s theory of Naturalism (not the first scene we viewed in class). In a comment box below, discuss how these three elements from the scene are “naturalistic”: 1) events in the scene (the plot), 2) a physical element from the Young Vic production (set, prop, costume), and 3) the acting (how one of the actors in the Young Vic production fulfill’s Zola’s description of naturalism). Â
5 sentences, minimum. Cite the entire Zola quote in your response. Be very specific about elements from the scene and how these elements connect to an idea from the Zola quote. You need to demonstrate that you watched the Young Vic production of Doll’s House and that you thought carefully about Zola’s definition of Naturalism. Include the hour/minute mark of the scene you are referring to from the Young Vic production from Digital Theatre +, not the scene or act number.
In the Young Vic production of Doll’s House, at the 1:12:30 mark, the scene where Nora confronts Torvald about their marriage embodies Zola’s quote: “If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud.” Nora’s defiance and revelation about her true self resonate with Zola’s notion of living authentically. With its detailed depiction of the Helmer household, the set design reinforces the naturalistic aesthetic, grounding the characters in a tangible reality. Moreover, the lighting and sound design accentuates the scene’s emotional intensity, underscoring the rawness of Nora’s declaration.
You forgot to include a quote from Zola…
In the reading of “A Concise Introduction to Naturalism” the quote that stands out to me the most is stated: “The physiological man in our modern works is asking more and more compellingly to be determined by his setting, by the environment that produced him.” My interpretation of this quote is that the environment in which a person is raised in or apart of, plays a direct relationship in that person’s apparitions.
A scene that I would like to discuss is the confession of Dr. Rank’s love for Nora (1:09:00 – 1:22:00.) The scene begins with an intimate conversation with Dr. Rank and Nora. Although the confession has yet to happen, there are so many qualities that show Dr. Rank’s affection for Nora. From the casual flirting, the look that he gives her, the swear on his fore head (although this can just be a by product of the actor.) These factors contribute to the idea of Naturalism of how one feels should they have feelings for someone. The way Dr. Rank feels Nora’s stockings in a unwholesome way, or when she shows him the stockings she’s wearing and the look he gives her after. These subtle details give notice to Naturalism in how a man feels towards a woman. Once the confession happens, the shock on Nora’s face, followed by a brief silence of awkwardness uplifts this idea of Naturalism even more. It is with Dr. Rank’s dying wish that he wishes to finally confess his feelings for Nora but instead he is not met with a mutual feeling.
Excellent!
After watching the sence the tarenella what I can see from naturalism is about how the wife was hiding and lying to her husband. This sence is taking play in the living room of their house. The way that the authors where dress in classical clothing and provided how she was lying that she was dancing all day. As Zola says âexisting under the sovereign dominion of their nerves and their blood, devoid of free will and drawn into every act of their lives by the inescapable promptings of their fleshâ this applies to this as she was only dancing and not able to provide with the strength but feeling that she needed to lied. In General what this was doing is that she had shown how much she had to disguise herself from telling a friend that she needed a witness to her dancing.
“The psychological man in our modern works is asking more and more compellingly to be determined by his setting, by the environment that produced him.” This quote by Zola essentially means that human beings are motivated by natural forces, not free will. Zola believed that the environment must determine character. This is shown off in Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” in the scene where Krogstad blackmails Nora in order to keep his position at the bank. Circumstances that lead to this situation was Nora borrowing a large amount of money from Krogstad in order to save her “dying and ill husband”. Krogstad uses this as leverage claiming he “needed” Nora’s influence to make sure he keeps his job. He went as far as to say he will do anything he can to keep his job.
There are various naturalistic elements in this scene. From Nora reorganizing seats into the table from sheer fear and anxiety, Krogstad slamming the door on his way out, and Nora’s face in the way she acts afraid as Krogstad is pointing out the signature on the IOU representing how he knows the signature was forged. Something also noteworthy that represents naturalism is the outfits and the set which represent every day life. Krogstad was seen rushing to put his gloves and scarf back on in order to leave out into the cold as it is December (Christmas day), and the full bottle of alcohol is a nice touch that makes the scene mirror life in a sense. These connect to Zola’s belief that the world and it’s natural circumstances determined the actions of everything in this scene. Natural forces like whether, social status, and real life events caused all of this.
Zola said it is the environment that determines the movements of the characterâ (Antoine, cited in Gale and Deeney, 2010, p.12), and that is seen well throughout The Dolls House play. In the scene (2:12:00) where Nora decides that her and Torvaldâs relationship must end showcases Naturalism. A simple example is the use of the bed as they are sitting on it when they begin their discussion. Then Nora is quickly packing her things and talking. Her movement is frantic which parallels Torvalâs shaken but slightly calm demeanor.
You needed to make it clearer how the action in the play reflects the quote. What is it about the bedroom (environment) that shapes the character’s actions?
jianwei shi
Young Vic’s A Doll’s House demonstrated the definition of “naturalism” through the scenes that rotated on stage, whether it was the costumes that Nora wore at the time or the non-stop hustle and bustle of the room, it showed the women of the era working in their homes. One of the moments that stood out to me the most was the one when Nora is arguing with her husband, because in this segment Nora’s character uses body language to express her description of naturalism. During this time she realizes the fragility of her life and learns that her marriage with her husband is not as good as she thought. Especially when all the light in the scene comes from table lamps, it better shows the conflict and deception between them. All in all, the end of A Doll’s House revolves around complexity, questions, and sadness, but there is no denying that when all the light in the scene comes from a single table lamp, Nora uses body language to convey her portrayal of naturalism and the complexity of her relationship with her husband.
Good, but where’s the Zola quote?
Zola’s definition of naturalism is defined as “the environment must determine the character”. Today, we will look at the two Zola quotes used in the article for the response.
âThe physiological man in our modern works is asking more and more compellingly to be determined by his setting, by the environment that produced himâ In simple terms, this quote means that people are influenced and shaped by their circumstances and environment rather than their individual personality or decisions. We best see this with the introduction of Kristine, after becoming a widow, she immediately with into working for 3 years straight before visiting Nora. Kristine’s outlook on life is almost a polar opposite of Nora’s. Kristine’s outlook was best illustrated at (12:01) where she illustrated that her loss and sacrifice are just part of life. She has accepted the bad parts of her life. Adopting a “it is what it is” notation to life. Another instance of this quote is when Torvald finds out that Nora lied about Krogstad visiting the home. (49:52) claiming “Lying contaminates a home” The first instance that Torvald genuinely scolds Nora but it is fairly reasonable.
“existing under the sovereign dominion of their nerves and their blood, devoid of free will and drawn into every act of their lives by the inescapable promptings of their flesh”. This phrase describes individuals who are controlled entirely by their instincts and desires without any control over their actions. I have an internal debate on whether or not Nora genuinely wanted to use the money for Torvald when he was sick. She has always had an impulse for money ever since she was a child, a trait that seems to be inherited from her father according to Torvald (7:54). It’s possible she truly used the money for selfish gain. After all, when Nora is about to tell her secret to Kristine, she claims “I saved his life” like bringing Torvald to Italy truly saved him. Nora believes this full-heartedly, considering if she was lying it would have been very noticeable.
Well done!
The quote by Emile Zola, “The physiological man in our modern works is asking more and more compellingly to be determined by his setting, by the environment that produced him,” emphasizes the idea that characters are shaped by their environment and social circumstances. One scene that portrays Zola’s theory of Naturalism in “A Doll’s House” is the confrontation between Nora and Torvald towards the end of the play. The intense emotional confrontation between Nora and Torvald reflects the idea that characters are shaped by their environment. Nora’s actions are influenced by her oppressive social environment, which becomes apparent as she confronts Torvald about their marriage and her own self-identity. Secondly, the physical element of the set, specifically the realistic and “exact” designed living room, contributes to the naturalistic portrayal of the scene. The set accurately represents the bourgeois household of the Helmers, reinforcing the idea of characters being determined by their environment. Lastly, the acting in this scene, by Nora and Torvald, illustrates Zola’s concept of Naturalism. Their performances are characterized by raw emotion, small gestures, and genuine expressions. The actors also depict the ways in which the characters’ actions and behaviors are influenced by their social and environmental circumstances.
All graded