Ibsen: Stagecraft

Question 1

What is stagecraft

Answer 1

The combination of all aspects of the play that the audience sees (setting, costume, props, stage directions…)

Question 2

Introduction

Answer 2

+ titles and playwright
+ introduce stagecraft and how it links to themes
+ identify relevant aspects of stagecraft
+ introduce naturalism
+ explain impact of naturalist style

Question 3

Paragraphs

Answer 3

1 - setting
2 - costume
3 - props

Question 4

Paragraph 1 topic

Answer 4

Based off of their movements and position in household, Hedda is increasingly dominant

Question 5

Paragraph 1 quotes

Answer 5

+ “Backstage right a door leads to the hall; backstage left , another door…in the middle of the left-hand wall there is a door…slightly upstage, is a door”
+ “trapped by architecture” and “literally confined to the house”
+ she tiptoes across and listens at her husband’s door”

+ “Against the rear wall…hangs the portrait of a handsome old man in general’s uniform”
+ “Hedda…is to be regarded rather as her father’s daughter than her husband’s wife”
+ “He and Brack go into the rear room, sit down, drink punch, smoke cigarettes and talk cheerfully.

Question 6

Paragraph 2 topic

Answer 6

The costume of the two characters are their peers represents their oppression and restriction, which only Nora manages to escape from

Question 7

Paragraph 2 quotes

Answer 7

+ “is dressed in travellers clothes”
+ “(in her everyday dress) Yes, Torvold. I’ve changed”
+ “She has given her last performance as the dancing doll”
+ “Helmer: But why now - so late -?”

+ “Her hair is of a handsome auburn colour, but is not especially abundant”
+ “Her hair is extremely fair…and abundant”
+ “I’m burning your child, Thea! You with your beautiful, wavy hair”

Question 8

Paragraph 3 topic

Answer 8

Props are used by the two characters as an attempt to non-explicitly voice their desperation, without leaving their gender roles. Stove for Nora and pistols for Hedda

Question 9

Paragraph 3 quotes

Answer 9

+ “Nora: (goes over towards the stove) Very well, Torvold. As you say”
+ “Nora does not move”

+ “Ah well, I still have one thing left to amuse myself with…(looks at him with concealed scorn) my pistols, George darling.”
+ “Use it now - do it beautifully”
+ “Tesman: she’s shot herself! Shot herself in the head! Fancy that! Brack: But, good God! People don’t do such things.”