Start with an introduction giving a brief summary of the play and Ibsen’s life and times (the historical and cultural context).
Discuss one of the themes in A Doll’s House: appearance versus reality; self-realization; obligation and duty—or another theme you see in the play. Trace the development and aspects of the theme from Act I to Act II to Act III. What are the symbols associated with this theme and what do they represent?
Quote from the play to support your insights.
Compare the play to the 1973 film version starring Anthony Hopkins and Claire Bloom (watch on youtube.com) or to the recent Zoom performance by QPAC actors (zoom link to be sent soon). What is the effect of seeing the play in performance?
What changes have been made to adapt the play for the film or the QPAC version? How was the play adapted for live performance on Zoom–what are the differences between performing in a theater on stage and on Zoom?
How was the play adapted to the film–how do film techniques: music, camera angles and editing change the play?
What is the effect of those changes made to the Zoom performance or film version—what is the impact on pacing or deeper insight into characters’ thoughts or motivations?
What do you think of the actor’s performances? You can work in some research from reviews of the film or the QPAC performancce.
For your conclusion: what is your overall impression of the play? Did the ending come as a surprise to you? Why and how is A Doll’s House considered to be a work of art?
In your essay use some of the terminology of the genre of drama:
Dialogue
Stage directions
Suspension of disbelief
The fourth wall
Spectacle
Melodrama
Monologue
Foreshadowing
Epiphany
Psychological realism
Download free copy of A Doll’s House:
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2542/2542-h/2542-h.htm