ENG1102: An essay about A Doll’s house. The first choice, I suspect the most popular, will be to go to Youtube, as some of you have already done, and view the play, A Doll’s House, and then write an essay on the difference between reading the play as opposed to seeing it. As you know, a play is made to be seen, not read, so the experiences in most cases and for most people are quite different. Do not, no matter what you write, regurgitate the plot–that does not address the question and can not generate one point.

QUESTION

Our third essay is on Drama, to be specific the genre we experienced during the week 3 reading of A Doll’s House.

I am going to give you two choices for this essay–write either one, but be absolutely certain that you have an essay–that is to say, not a paragraph. Unless you have a complete essay, you will not generate any points of the 100 points allocated for this assigned writing.

The first choice, I suspect the most popular, will be to go to Youtube, as some of you have already done, and view the play, A Doll’s House, and then write an essay on the difference between reading the play as opposed to seeing it. As you know, a play is made to be seen, not read, so the experiences in most cases and for most people are quite different. Do not, no matter what you write, regurgitate the plot–that does not address the question and can not generate one point.

The second option might be interesting, perhaps a bit more challenging, but I suspect will be addressed by some few students. Write an essay examining any similarities between A Doll’s House and Alice Walker’s novel The Color Purple. For the comparison you may use text or film versions of either one, but you are to examine something you see as perhaps a common theme or subject. As always, if you have any questions, please email me at once.

Regardless of your choice, you are graded on an MLA essay in Formal Standard English with proper grammar and punctuation. We write on a variety of topics during the course, but the goal is to leave this class and move on in your degree program with a greater ability and confidence to deal with the writing requirements of your future courses. To that end we write, receive and process feedback, produce improved second drafts and, hopefully, become better writers and students.

ANSWER

 A Comparative Analysis of A Doll’s House and The Color Purple: Exploring Themes Across Drama and Literature

Introduction

In the realm of dramatic literature, A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen and the novel The Color Purple by Alice Walker stand as prominent works that delve into complex themes and social issues. This essay aims to examine potential similarities between the two, focusing on a common theme or subject that transcends their respective mediums. By exploring the contrasting experiences of reading a play versus watching it unfold, or by analyzing shared thematic elements, we can gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact these works have on their audiences. Through this analysis, we can appreciate the significance of these texts and enhance our abilities as writers and students.

Option 1: The Experience of Reading a Play versus Watching it Unfold

When comparing the experience of reading A Doll’s House with viewing a performance of the play, it becomes evident that the medium through which the story is conveyed significantly influences one’s understanding and emotional engagement (A Doll’s House: Themes  | SparkNotes, n.d.). While reading the play allows for a more intimate exploration of the characters’ inner thoughts and motivations, watching a live performance provides a visual and auditory experience that amplifies the emotional impact. The use of stage direction, set design, lighting, and acting choices all contribute to the overall atmosphere and portrayal of the story. However, it is crucial not to simply regurgitate the plot, as the true essence of this comparison lies in examining the transformative power of the medium itself.

Option 2: Exploring Common Themes in A Doll’s House and The Color Purple

Although A Doll’s House and The Color Purple may initially seem distinct due to their different genres, a closer examination reveals potential thematic connections that highlight shared concerns and struggles (Arifin & Ahmed, 2021). Both works explore the oppression of women in patriarchal societies and challenge traditional gender roles. In A Doll’s House, Nora’s rebellion against societal expectations and her search for personal freedom parallel the journey of Celie in The Color Purple, who seeks liberation from domestic abuse and finds empowerment through self-discovery. By comparing these two female protagonists, we can delve deeper into the resilience and strength exhibited by women confronting oppressive systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether through analyzing the experience of reading versus watching a play or examining common themes in A Doll’s House and The Color Purple, both options offer insightful perspectives for understanding the power of these works (A Doll’s House, n.d.). By engaging with different mediums and exploring shared thematic elements, we develop a deeper appreciation for the profound impact of literature and drama on societal discussions and personal growth. As we progress in our academic journey, honing our writing skills and embracing the challenges of critical analysis, we become better equipped to navigate the demands of future courses and contribute meaningfully to scholarly discourse.

References

A Doll’s House. (n.d.). StudySmarter UK. https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/english-literature/dramatists/a-dolls-house/ 

A Doll’s House: Themes  | SparkNotes. (n.d.). SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/dollhouse/themes/ 

Arifin, M., & Ahmed, S. N. (2021). Reversal of Stereotypes in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple: God, Gender, Narrative and Sexuality. Palimpsest, 2(1), 10–21. https://doi.org/10.46603/pedujes.v2i1.2