Essay 3: Research Paper (Drama)
Format: MLA 9, double space, Times New Roman 12 font
Length: 8-10 pages or 2000-2500 words with at least 6 scholarly sources +2 primary sources (the plays/films) + a Works Cited page
Directions: The aim of this research paper is to conduct an in-depth analysis and exploration of themes, characters, and critical aspects of the plays “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen and “A Doll’s House, Part 2” by Lucas Hnath. The paper should engage with relevant scholarly sources to support your analysis. Pick only one of the topic options below.
Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast the character of Nora Helmer in Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” and Hnath’s “A Doll’s House, Part 2.” How have the character’s motivations, actions, and societal roles evolved over the years?
Feminism and Gender Roles: Explore how both plays address the theme of feminism and women’s roles in society. How do the female characters in each play challenge or conform to societal expectations of their time?
Marriage and Family Dynamics: Analyze the portrayal of marriage and family dynamics in both plays. How do the relationships between Nora and Torvald in Ibsen’s play and Nora and her family in Hnath’s play reflect the changing nature of family and marriage in different eras?
Social and Cultural Context: Investigate the historical and cultural contexts in which both plays were written and first performed. How did societal attitudes towards issues like marriage, gender roles, and female independence influence the themes and reception of these plays?
The Role of Forgiveness: Discuss the concept of forgiveness in both plays. How does Nora’s return in “A Doll’s House, Part 2” challenge and redefine the idea of forgiveness in the context of her actions in Ibsen’s play?
Theatrical Techniques and Style: Analyze the use of theatrical techniques and style in both plays. How do the playwrights use dialogue, staging, and symbolism to convey their messages and engage the audience?
Legacy and Impact: Evaluate the legacy and impact of Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” on the development of feminist and realist drama. How has the original play influenced subsequent works in theater and literature?
