Foreign Language

The speaker mentions the term "foreign" in the context of the transcript.

Foreign Language

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Foreign Language

The speaker mentions the term "foreign" in the context of the transcript.

Foreign Language

• No bullet points available.

And Then...

The speaker uses the phrase "and then" to transition to a new topic.

And Then...

• No bullet points available.

Okay

The speaker says "okay".

Okay

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Thank You

The speaker says "thank you".

Thank You

• No bullet points available.

Course Schedule and Media Discussion

The speaker discusses the course schedule and plans to discuss media.

Course Schedule and Media Discussion

• There are four weeks left in the course.

• Evolution will be finished next week, followed by Penelopeat in two weeks.

• This week's discussion will focus on media.

• Hello Macro's interview will be watched over four more weeks.

• Modern drama will also be discussed, including differences from Greek tragedies, main elements of modern drama, and what Ipsan introduced to drama for the first time.

• Depending on class participation, Atalanta may also be discussed.

Recap of Previous Class Discussion on Media

The speaker recaps a previous class discussion about media.

Recap of Previous Class Discussion on Media

• Last week, the class left off with Jason suggesting that he did everything for Daisans and Media's sons.

• The speaker asks the class what they thought of this.

• Media's answer is "merciful human diseases loss of shame".

• The speaker asks if anyone remembers what Media did for Jason.

Names and Numbers

The speaker mentions names and numbers in the context of the previous discussion on media.

Names and Numbers

• No bullet points available.

Introduction to Media

The speaker introduces the character of Media.

Introduction to Media

• The nurse briefly introduces the audience to events that took place before the play starts.

• She saved Jason's life as every hero in the north who sailed with the Argonauts.

• She helped him retrieve the Golden Fleece.

• She says that she would actually turn a blind eye to Jason courting another woman or marrying a second wife if she gave no sons to Jason.

• This is another reference to the significance of family in ancient Greek culture.

Crimes Against Family in Ancient Greece

The speaker discusses crimes against family in ancient Greece.

Crimes Against Family in Ancient Greece

• In ancient Greece, any crime committed against family was considered going against DK, which were unforgivable crimes.

• Media betrayed her father and killed her brothers, shedding their blood.

• At the end of the play, it is revealed that she also sheds her own children's blood.

• Despite committing these crimes, she gets away with it due to being a semi-goddess or being protected by Apollo or because she is rich and continuously reminds everyone that Jason did not keep his promises.

Significance of Oaths in Ancient Greece

The speaker discusses the significance of oaths in ancient Greece.

Significance of Oaths in Ancient Greece

• A man or woman was only as good as their words.

• By going back on his words, Jason is going against Zeus, who happens to be the god of oaths.

• Media says she will no longer trust him.

Importance of Trust

The speaker emphasizes the importance of trust.

Importance of Trust

• Trust is significant because a person is only as good as their word.

• If someone goes back on their word, it can have serious consequences and lead to a loss of trust.

• In the context of the play, Jason's actions lead to a loss of trust from Media and others.

Jason and Media's Relationship

In this section, the speaker discusses Jason and Media's relationship, including their conflicting views on why Media helped Jason and why Jason is getting remarried.

Conflicting Views on Why Media Helped Jason

• Before the course interviews, the speaker mentions that without naming him as the god of words, Medea refers to Zeus. She says that the wife who saved Jason is going to be available with her children and then cries for Zeus.

• The speaker notes that Jason starts contradicting himself by first saying that Medea did not help him out of the goodness of her heart but because she was manipulated by deities. He talks about divine intervention and how he fell in love with Medea. However, towards the end of his speech, he says that she did it out of her own will and he did not ask her to do anything so she should also suffer the consequences of her actions.

• The speaker notes that Jason falsely claims that Medea used to live in barbarian lands thanks to him. She is now living in a civilized land actually where Medea left.

Reasons for Jason Getting Remarried

• The speaker notes that when asked why he is getting remarried, Jason responds by saying there is nothing wrong with their relationship but women and men are different. He wants male children to ensure his political power.

• The speaker notes that according to Jason, getting married again will help his current family drop its reputation while ensuring safety for his new family. However, this new marriage will endanger his current sons as they will be rivals for Corinthian throne against media's children.

• The speaker notes that although this new marriage would father the next royal sons, it wouldn't make his current sons stronger. Media stresses that she is now looking for a refuge because she is going to be banished from Corinth as well and her reputation precedes her.

The Myth of Theseus

In this section, the speaker discusses the myth of Theseus and how he gained wealth through his newborn children.

• The speaker notes that Aegis asks if they are familiar with the myth of Theseus who slays the Minotaur. He gained a wealthy life through his newborn children.

• The speaker notes that Luke remembers that Theseus had to kill to improve his family's prospects.

Myths and Legends in Ancient Greece

The speaker discusses the concept of might being right in ancient Greece, where there were no laws as long as one was powerful. He also talks about the myth of Aegis and his son Theseus, who had to prove his manhood by killing the Minotaur.

Might is Right

• In ancient Greece, there were no laws as long as one was powerful.

• The concept of might being right is exemplified in the myth of Aegis and his wife Helen.

• This idea is also seen in medieval England, where a champion could fight for someone accused of something. If the champion won, it meant that the accused was innocent.

The Myth of Aegis and Theseus

• Aegis had a son named Theseus who had to prove his manhood by killing the Minotaur.

• Aegis made a pact with Theseus that if he killed the Minotaur, he would change the color of his sails from black to white so that his father would know whether he succeeded or not.

• However, Theseus forgot to change the sails and his father assumed he had failed. He killed himself out of grief.

Prophecies and Deception

The speaker discusses prophecies in Greek mythology and how they are often difficult to understand. He also talks about how deception plays a role in some myths.

Prophecies

• Aegis received prophecies but couldn't understand them.

• In Penelope, Margaret Edward makes fun of the fact that prophecies are often difficult to understand. Penelope says that they don't say everything clearly from the beginning so that they can keep tabs on the world of the living.

Deception

• Medea tricks both Jason and Aegis at different points in the play.

• The chorus tries to console Medea at the beginning of the tragedy and later tries to change her mind about killing her children.

Political Hostility

Media seeks help from Aegis, who agrees to help but only if she makes her own escape. They make an agreement and ask each other about their deities.

• Aegis agrees to help Media with her problem but will not take her with him.

• They ask each other about their deities and make an agreement.

• Aegis will provide shelter for Media in exchange for her help.

Poisoning the Princess

Media decides to poison the Corinthian princess as part of her revenge plan. She sends gifts to the princess, who changes her mind and sends away Media's children.

• Media considers killing the Corinthian princess herself but decides on poisoning instead.

• The princess changes her mind after seeing gifts from Apollo and sends away Media's children.

Confrontation with Jason

Jason accuses Media of being ungrateful, while she tries to make peace with him. He is unhappy with the wedding gifts she plans to send and benefits more from their marriage than she does.

• Jason accuses Media of being ungrateful despite all that he has done for her.

• Jason is unhappy with the wedding gifts that Media plans to send.

• Jason benefits more from their marriage than Media does.

Killing Her Children

After considering various options, including taking her children into exile, Media decides to kill them as part of her revenge plan against Jason.

• Media considers taking her children into exile but decides to kill them instead.

• She kills her children as part of her revenge plan against Jason.

Violence and Revenge in Greek Tragedy

In this section, the speaker discusses why violent crimes were not shown on stage in Greek tragedy due to technical limitations. Instead, messengers would relay information about the violent acts that occurred offstage. The speaker also explores how revenge is a common theme in Greek tragedy and how characters often seek it out.

Limitations of Staging Violence

• Due to technical limitations, violent crimes were not shown on stage in Greek tragedy.

• Actors wore masks to alternate between different characters, making it impossible to stage violent murders.

• Instead, messengers would relay information about the violent acts that occurred offstage.

Revenge as a Common Theme

• Revenge is a common theme in Greek tragedy.

• Characters often seek revenge for perceived wrongdoings.

• Media takes revenge on Jason by killing their children after he betrays her.

The Role of the Chorus in Greek Tragedy

In this section, the speaker discusses the role of the chorus in Greek tragedy. The chorus represents both an ideal audience and society as onlookers. They react to events but are ultimately powerless to change them.

Function of the Chorus

• The chorus represents both an ideal audience and society as onlookers.

• They react to events but are ultimately powerless to change them.

• The chorus tries to save Media's children but can only keep knocking at the door.

Cinematographic Terms Applied to Ancient Greece

In this section, the speaker applies cinematographic terms such as high angle shots and low angle shots to the staging of Greek tragedy. The speaker also discusses how movements upwards are associated with joy and exhilaration, while movements downwards are associated with depression and sadness.

Cinematographic Terms Applied to Ancient Greece

• High angle shots or views are associated with joy and exhilaration.

• Low angle shots or views are associated with depression, sadness, and defeat.

• When Media appears above the house on a chariot drawn by dragons, both the audience and Jason would have to crane their necks in order to look at her from a low angle.

Movements Upwards and Downwards

• Any upwards movement is associated with joy and exhilaration.

• Any downwards movement is associated with depression, sadness, and defeat.

Minor Characters in Medea

This section discusses the minor characters in Medea and their significance.

Significance of Minor Characters

• The minor characters in Medea are small, weak, and easily defeatable.

• The adaptation of the play is discussed.

• The Chariot is referred to as an ex machina representing God's divine intervention. Media is helped by God at the end of the book.

• Jason curses Media at the end of the play. Media has her children with Jason, but he won't be able to see them for one last time or even know where they are buried.

Questions on Medea

This section covers questions related to Medea that may come up during a final exam.

Questions on Exile

• Both Jason and Media are political exiles. How does this affect them?

• Why can't Media simply get remarried? Why can't Jason get remarried and change his fate entirely?

Questions on Characterization

• How is Media pitted against all three major male characters?

• Why did Euripides not portray Media as mad when she exhibited all those crimes out of madness?

Questions on Play vs Drama

• What is the difference between drama and play?

• Drama refers to the performance on stage, while play refers to the written text. The neighboring texts are part of the play and include stage directions, props, and setting.

Understanding Props in Plays

This section explains what props are in plays and their significance.

Definition of Props

• A prop is an abbreviation of property. Anything seen on stage is a prop.

• Stage directions and neighboring texts help actors understand how to use props.

• Anything that has to do with the setting, props, or how actors behave is part of neighboring text.

Overview of "A Doll's House"

In this section, the speaker discusses the setting and characters of "A Doll's House" and how they relate to the themes of the play.

The Significance of the House

• The house represents where the characters live.

• The size of the house is small, indicating that it is suffocating for Nora.

• The original title of the play was not "A Doll's House."

Characters and Themes

• Helmer makes all decisions in his marriage with Nora.

• Dr. Rank loves Nora, but she only plays along with him to potentially borrow money from him in the future.

• Modern drama deals with heredity versus society as a main theme.

• Helmer believes that Nora owes him because he saved her life by borrowing money from Dr. Rank.

Elements of Drama

In this section, the speaker discusses various elements of drama and how they are used in "A Doll's House."

Decor/Setting/Probes

• Decor, setting, and probes all refer to anything put on stage or in frame that is part of telling a story.

Action vs. Psyche

• Ancient Greek tragedies focus on action while modern dramas focus on character psyche.

• Dr. Rank represents heredity versus society as a main theme in modern drama.

Nora's Character

In this section, the speaker discusses Nora's character and how she is influenced by her father.

Nora's Actions

• Everything on stage is part of telling a story.

• The main problem that modern drama deals with is the influence of heredity versus society.

• Nora questions whether she was influenced by her father and that's why she forged the signature.

Conclusion

The speaker provides insights into the setting, characters, themes, and elements of drama in "A Doll's House." They also discuss how Nora's character is influenced by her father and how this relates to the play's themes.

Ibsen's A Doll's House and Method Acting

In this section, the speaker discusses the controversy surrounding the ending of Ibsen's play A Doll's House. They also talk about how Ibsen wrote a second ending to appease society's taste. The play is celebrated as the first modern feminist drama, although Ibsen did not write it as such. The speaker also talks about method acting and its origins with Stanislavski.

Controversy Surrounding A Doll's House

• People were mad about the ending of A Doll's House because they claimed that Ibsen was destroying the sacred institution of marriage by making Laura walk out on her children.

• Some theaters were changing the ending, so Ibsen decided to write a second ending which was more suitable for society's taste.

• In the new ending, Helmer tells Nora that she has to see their children for the last time before opening the door to their bedroom where they are sleeping. Nora decides to stay and changes the ending.

• The play celebrates women's rights to own property, have money, work and be breadwinners.

Method Acting

• Stanislavski developed method acting before it became known as such.

• Nowadays, method acting is being used in a radical way where actors go out of their way to get into character.

• Nora from A Doll's House is an example of a character who does not exaggerate her actions but rather stays true to her character.

• The tarantula scene in A Doll's House is not exaggerated but rather shows Nora dancing for her life because she expects that before Christmas, Helmer is going to find out about her secret and it will be the end.

Going Over Notes

The speaker is going over their notes to ensure they haven't missed anything.

Conflict in Greek Tragedies and Modern Drama

• In Greek tragedies, conflict could be between mortals and immortals, while in modern drama, it's mostly between individuals.

• Modern drama emphasizes the individual and how they change throughout the play.

Individualism in Modern Drama

• In modern drama, characters are developed through the course of the play.

• The emphasis is on the individual rather than universals.

Break Time

• There will be a 20-minute break before starting a reading of "A Doll's House."

Nora's Secrets

• Nora hides many things from her family, including eating macarons secretly and borrowing money illegally.

• She tries to hide her knowledge of Dr. Rank being in love with her.

• She doesn't have keys to her own letterbox; only Helmer has them.

Significance of Hiding

• The act of hiding is significant in the play.

• Nora starts questioning the honorableness of her affections because Helmer keeps telling her she doesn't know how to keep or make money.

Social Masks

• Characters may be wearing social masks as they hide their true selves from others.

Nora's Deception

In this section, we learn about Nora's deception during Christmas preparations and her relationship with Helmer.

Nora's Deception

• Nora lies about preparing decorations for the Christmas tree and secretly copies work.

• Helmer is not interested in Nora's help during Christmas preparations.

• Nora appears as an ideal mother figure providing for her family during Christmas.

• Nora eats macaroons secretly and lies to Helmer about it.

• Some translations of the text differ in terms of character names and stage directions.

Pet Names

• Helmer uses animal names as pet names for Nora, which dehumanizes her.

• The use of pet names is one-sided, as we never hear Nora using them for Helmer.

Imbalance of Power

• There is an imbalance of power in the relationship between Nora and Helmer.

• Although she does not follow all the rules, Nora cannot stand up against her husband.

Deception Continues

• Helmer talks about a previous Christmas where he was bored because of Nora's absence during preparations.

• Christine reveals that Nora was lying again by copying work texts as part of her several part-time jobs.

Nora's Relationship with Helmer

This section discusses Nora's relationship with her husband, Helmer, and how she is merely a source of entertainment for him.

Nora as an Ornament

• Helmer is ungrateful towards Nora and sees her as a source of entertainment.

• Nora feels reduced to a piece of decoration and believes that she won't be able to entertain Helmer when she is no longer young and beautiful.

Ideal Woman in Regency Period

• In the Regency period, it was considered ideal for women to be able to entertain their husbands by playing instruments or singing compositions.

Christian's Arrival

This section discusses Christian's arrival and his past friendship with Nora.

Christian's Return

• Christian returns after leaving years ago.

• Nora reveals that they were friends when they were young.

Nora's Isolation

• Nora feels like a prisoner in her own home because Helmer does not allow her to see or talk to anyone.

Significance of Rocking Chair

This section discusses the significance of the rocking chair in which Nora sits.

Childlike Behavior

• The rocking chair makes Nora appear childlike.

• Stability is important, but having a strong footing does not necessarily mean sitting on a rocking chair.

Reunion with Kristine Linde

This section discusses Kristine Linde's reunion with Nora.

Childlike Behavior

• Kristine sees Nora as childlike, similar to Helmer.

Nora's Past Jobs

• Nora reveals that she did embroidery, sewing, and crocheting for odd jobs.

Second Honeymoon and Borrowing Money

This section discusses Nora's second honeymoon and borrowing money from her father.

Second Honeymoon

• Nora borrowed money from her father for their second honeymoon in Italy.

Loss of Father

• The saddest thing that happened to Nora since getting married was the loss of her father.

Dr. Rank's Infatuation with Nora

This section discusses Dr. Rank's infatuation with Nora.

Keeping Dr. Rank as a Wild Card

• Nora keeps Dr. Rank as a wild card because she cannot pay the debt she owes.

• Dr. Rank is an older man who is infatuated with a married woman (Nora).

Nora's Expectations

In this section, Nora jumps up and claps her hands upon hearing that Dr. Rank is here again. She then starts asking about Christian's marriage and how she married a rich man to take care of her sick mother and brothers. Nora also expects Helmer to sacrifice his own well-being for her family.

Nora's Reaction to Dr. Rank's Arrival

• Nora jumps up and claps her hands upon hearing that Dr. Rank is here again.

Christian's Marriage

• Christian married a rich man to take care of her sick mother and brothers.

• Crocsad knows nothing about it.

• Christian wants the job advertised at the bank, but Helmer is not happy with Crocstad.

Nora's Expectations from Helmer

• Nora expects Helmer to sacrifice his own well-being when the time comes to say Nora and their family.

• She plans on seducing Thorvald into giving Kristen a job at the bank.

Borrowing Money

In this section, we learn that Nora borrowed money without telling her husband in order to save his life. She also manipulates Christians expectations of her by pretending she borrowed money from an admirer.

Borrowing Money

• Nora borrowed money without telling her husband in order to save his life.

• Even though it was forbidden for a wife to borrow money without her husband's consent, Nora found a way around it because she had business sense.

• The solution she finds has to be a man, showing that she is smarter than Helmer thinks.

Manipulating Christian's Expectations

• Nora manipulates Christians expectations of her by pretending she borrowed money from an admirer.

Nora's Plan

In this section, we learn that Nora plans on taking her family to a warmer climate and that she is not as naive as Helmer thinks. She also defends herself against Crocsad's blackmailing attempts.

Taking Her Family to a Warmer Climate

• Nora plans on taking her family to a warmer climate.

• She defends herself against Crocsad's blackmailing attempts by saying what she did was acceptable because she was trying to save her father and husband.

Nora's Struggle for Equality

In this section, Nora talks about the lack of equality in her marriage and in patriarchal society. She discusses how she never told her husband about it because he is proud of being a man and it would be humiliating for him to know that he owed anything to her. She also talks about how she fantasizes about having a rich lover who would pay all her expenses.

Unequal Marriage

• Nora discusses the lack of equality in her marriage and patriarchal society.

• She never told her husband about it because he is proud of being a man and it would be humiliating for him to know that he owed anything to her.

• Nora struggles with the fact that she had to borrow money and work hard to save Torvald's life, but cannot tell him as it would destroy their relationship.

• She sometimes fantasizes about having a rich lover who would pay all her expenses.

Financial Struggles

• The financial struggles continue as Nora points out that Torvald likes living extravagantly, which makes it difficult for her to save money.

• She skimps on herself by buying the least expensive things since she believes whatever she wears looks good on her.

• However, she cannot skimp on her children's clothes or food.

Copying Job

• Nora takes up a copying job during Christmas which involves copying texts without any creativity involved.

• This job highlights how women were not allowed creative jobs during those times.

Patriarchal Society

• Living in a patriarchal society destroys imagination as women can only find solutions in men being their protectors or saviors.

• None of the male characters in the story seem decent, representing different institutions in patriarchal society.

• Henrik Ibsen seems to suggest that the entire patriarchal society, from its every institution down to its every male member, is indecent.

Nora's Struggle for Self-Discovery

• Nora starts questioning her role as a mother and wife when Torvald keeps saying that Krogstad is a bad influence on his sons.

• She realizes that she has been lying and forging her father's signature just like Krogstad did.

• In the end, she leaves to work on herself after telling Kristine about her secrets.

Nora's Morality and Torvald's Concern for Society

In this section, the characters' moral values are explored. Nora is shown to prioritize protecting her family while Torvald is more concerned with society's perception of him.

Nora's Morality

• Nora borrowed money from Crookston instead of her father to spare her father's feelings.

• Nora only cares about protecting her family and friends, not society.

• Nora laughs at Dr. Rank's idea of morality because it means something different to her.

Torvald's Concern for Society

• Torvald embezzled money but wants to redeem himself and be a role model for his children.

• Torvald blackmails Nora to keep his position at the bank.

• Torvald is more concerned with society's perception of him than Nora's well-being.

The IOU and Pretending to be a Happy Couple

In this section, the IOU situation is resolved, and Torvald suggests that he and Nora pretend to be a happy couple.

Resolving the IOU Situation

• The second letter reveals that the IOU will not be used against them.

• Torvald is relieved that he won't go to prison but corrects himself when he realizes that both he and Nora are saved.

Pretending to be a Happy Couple

• Torvald suggests they pretend to be a happy couple in front of society.

• Nora resents Torvald revealing her secret about the IOU and was planning to use it as a bargaining chip to keep their marriage fresh.

Nora's Morality and Torvald's Lack of Ethics

In this section, Nora's morality is further explored, and Torvald's lack of ethics is highlighted.

Nora's Morality

• Nora borrows money from Crookston to save her husband but keeps it a secret from Torvald.

• Nora's morality is based on protecting her family, not society.

Torvald's Lack of Ethics

• Torvald turns a blind eye to the embezzlement case of Nora's father to marry her.

• Torvald only cares about his reputation and position in society.

English Nora's Absent Mother and Parenting

In this section, the speaker discusses the absence of mothers in the play and how it affects parenting. The nurse Mary is mentioned as being absent from her own child while raising Nora. Anne-Marie raised Nora but did not do a perfect job, as seen in Nora's accusations towards others.

Absent Mothers

• Mary was the nurse of Nora, and we never hear about Nora's mother.

• Kristen had to sacrifice her love life for her mother's health, then her mother died.

• Anne-Marie raised Nora, but you see that Nora's lines get bigger and bigger; she starts accusing other people for her secrets like Christian and her children.

• Mary is also going to raise her children. The best solution would be to educate yourself, gain your own individuality, and come back for your children.

Parenting

• Nora gives presents to her children but sells the nurse away because they are too cramped inside the house with barely breathing room for themselves.

• In the absence of Nora, Mary is going to raise her children.

• Torwalt is a job too enough with Anne Murray.

English Forbidden Indulgence

This section talks about forbidden indulgence in literature and how it relates to Nora's marriage. It also mentions Dr Rank putting a macaroon inside his mouth.

Forbidden Indulgence

• In any work of literature or fiction, if a character goes around saying they are extremely happy, it should be seen as a question mark or red flag. Why do they feel the need to announce it? Are they trying to convince themselves that they are happy? That is exactly the same case in Nora's marriage.

• Nora expresses her happiness by doing whatever is forbidden, and she starts doing things children would do in the absence of Torwalt.

• Dr Rank puts a macaroon inside his mouth, giving Christian one too, and then she eats one.

English Seduction and Manipulation

This section discusses how Nora tries to seduce Helmer by playing with his clothes and praising him. It also mentions how she manipulates him by dropping Krokstadt's name.

Seduction and Manipulation

• When trying to make Helmer agree with what she would like to do, Nora tries to seduce him by playing with his scholars and jackets. She starts by praising him, saying that Christian would like to learn from him.

• She is cunningly manipulating Helmer, but the minute she drops Krokstadt's name, he will get angry.

Nora and Torvald's Marriage

This section covers the conversation between Nora and Torvald about their marriage, loyalty, and influence on their children.

Nora's Loyalty to Family Over Law

• Nora talks about her loyalty to her family rather than law.

• She mentions that her duties are towards her husband and father, not the other way around.

• Torvald believes that Krogstad is a bad influence on his own children because he committed forgery. Nora starts comparing herself with Krogstad.

The Atmosphere of Lies in Their Home

• Nora says that the atmosphere of lies contaminates every corner of the home.

• Helmer says that nearly all young criminals are the children of mothers who are constitutional liars. This leads to Nora deciding not to see her children as much.

Carnival Periods and Land Periods

• The land periods refer to when Nora is feeling trapped in her marriage, while carnival periods refer to when she feels free.

• She knows that when they return from the ball, Torvald will find out about Krogstad's notes in the letterbox, which will be over for her.

Gender Roles and Society

This section covers gender roles in society and how they affect relationships between men and women.

Kristen's Relationship with Krogstad

• Kristen is adamant about having to serve a family, have children, and raise them. Is she conditioned by society as well?

Setting, Props, Decorations, Costumes

• Pay attention to the setting, use of lights, props, decorations, costumes, and hairdos.