I wouldn't mind using zoom or something like that for this class. I think that could work.
And, to follow your commentary on Act 2 and my own on the original Act 2 post, I understand a lot of what you're saying about Act 2. Each younger generation must change against their parent's generation, however much they change depends on usually how they're raised. This is clear with Manders and Mrs. Alving and Oswald, three different generations housing different ideas. Also, the idea that we need goals or something more in life was not something I considered while reading the act. However, I, and most other people, believe we need to reach something more. I'm not sure if that's because of how I was raised, my generation, my parents, etc. or whatever, but there is that voice, as you mentioned, telling me that I need to achieve and do more with my life. If that is a good or bad thing is up for debate. I'm not sure. Oswald's version of this all is a little interesting and dramatic to me, but I suppose that's how it was meant to be.
Thank you for the response, Sofia. Great insights! You make a good point about Oswald. Even though he makes good points, he is overcome with grief due to the ghosts. I suppose Ibsen wants us to see the impact of the ghosts/ideals/society on us when we try to make sense of the world. What is true for "him" is not necessarily true for all of us, but we are constantly encouraged to think alike. This is where Camus cones into the argument. We create our own meaning. We need to be okay with that, I suppose. It's easier said than done.
I hope you are well. This is good time to write poetry. I am also going to start painting, again, today. Making a new normal.
I think if we read the whole trilogy of Ibsen, reading the enemy of the people, it would provide a better sense of closure with this trilogy. I was also curious as to reaction of Ghosts by the general population of the time, whether they really understood what Ibsen was criticizing in them or if they simply thought it was a play of ironies and tension between the characters relations. Pastor Mander's is particularly interesting in that he represents a character that has no ability to think for himself. This seems to be a common truth throughout the lifetime of humanity, that there will exist people who are unable to think for themselves, but nonetheless it gives me a headache to think about how someone can just simply accept what others are telling them is right. As a species, we always prized ourselves on our ability to think abstractedly, that that concept is what separates us from other animals, and to an extent I think that we are able to think more deeply and understand fundamental concepts of humanity, of the universe, of nature, etc. that other animals can't begin to grasp, and yet there are people like Pastor Mander's who don't utilize that ability. Do they not feel the drive to use it? It just always gives me pause when I encounter characters who are like this.
On a whole other note, I hope everything is going well with you Mr. Pellerin, and that your family and you are healthy and doing okay in this insane time. Looking forward to your vlogs the ability to talk with the class as we figure out what to do with ourselves in this time.
One other thing. I like the idea of reading act three along with you cause I always find that after you've discussed some of the elements of the act which I might no of picked up on, my response to the to the act differs and my blog doesn't make sense to me anymore or accurately reflect my thoughts anymore.
Thank you for your comments on the play, Nelia. To answer your question about Pastor Manders, I feel that people like Pastor Manders allow fear to dominate their lives. As a result, they rely on the "ghosts" or systems or rules to guide them. Of course, life is messy. When confronted with a nuance, they are ill equipped to handle it. I am sure you are witnessing this now. Some people are more emotionally able to function right now, while others still fight it. We all feel fear, but some of looking for scapegoats and easy answers. Unfortunately, people like Mrs. Alving end up on the receiving end of these individuals. Paster Manders is unaware of his own feelings. He doesn't own them; therefore, things happen to him. He is helpless.
Thank you, for asking about my family. We are well here and I hope you are, too.
As for the "curriculum" I will be sharing another Vlog, today with an update. We are no longer administering curriculum specifically to a class. This is coming from the sate. No deadlines. No grading. We can still connect, and you could still read Ibsen (along with others if they like), but nothing is mandated.
I wouldn't mind using zoom or something like that for this class. I think that could work.
ReplyDeleteAnd, to follow your commentary on Act 2 and my own on the original Act 2 post, I understand a lot of what you're saying about Act 2. Each younger generation must change against their parent's generation, however much they change depends on usually how they're raised. This is clear with Manders and Mrs. Alving and Oswald, three different generations housing different ideas. Also, the idea that we need goals or something more in life was not something I considered while reading the act. However, I, and most other people, believe we need to reach something more. I'm not sure if that's because of how I was raised, my generation, my parents, etc. or whatever, but there is that voice, as you mentioned, telling me that I need to achieve and do more with my life. If that is a good or bad thing is up for debate. I'm not sure. Oswald's version of this all is a little interesting and dramatic to me, but I suppose that's how it was meant to be.
Thank you for the response, Sofia. Great insights! You make a good point about Oswald. Even though he makes good points, he is overcome with grief due to the ghosts. I suppose Ibsen wants us to see the impact of the ghosts/ideals/society on us when we try to make sense of the world. What is true for "him" is not necessarily true for all of us, but we are constantly encouraged to think alike. This is where Camus cones into the argument. We create our own meaning. We need to be okay with that, I suppose. It's easier said than done.
DeleteI hope you are well. This is good time to write poetry. I am also going to start painting, again, today. Making a new normal.
I think if we read the whole trilogy of Ibsen, reading the enemy of the people, it would provide a better sense of closure with this trilogy. I was also curious as to reaction of Ghosts by the general population of the time, whether they really understood what Ibsen was criticizing in them or if they simply thought it was a play of ironies and tension between the characters relations. Pastor Mander's is particularly interesting in that he represents a character that has no ability to think for himself. This seems to be a common truth throughout the lifetime of humanity, that there will exist people who are unable to think for themselves, but nonetheless it gives me a headache to think about how someone can just simply accept what others are telling them is right. As a species, we always prized ourselves on our ability to think abstractedly, that that concept is what separates us from other animals, and to an extent I think that we are able to think more deeply and understand fundamental concepts of humanity, of the universe, of nature, etc. that other animals can't begin to grasp, and yet there are people like Pastor Mander's who don't utilize that ability. Do they not feel the drive to use it? It just always gives me pause when I encounter characters who are like this.
ReplyDeleteOn a whole other note, I hope everything is going well with you Mr. Pellerin, and that your family and you are healthy and doing okay in this insane time. Looking forward to your vlogs the ability to talk with the class as we figure out what to do with ourselves in this time.
One other thing. I like the idea of reading act three along with you cause I always find that after you've discussed some of the elements of the act which I might no of picked up on, my response to the to the act differs and my blog doesn't make sense to me anymore or accurately reflect my thoughts anymore.
DeleteThank you for your comments on the play, Nelia. To answer your question about Pastor Manders, I feel that people like Pastor Manders allow fear to dominate their lives. As a result, they rely on the "ghosts" or systems or rules to guide them. Of course, life is messy. When confronted with a nuance, they are ill equipped to handle it. I am sure you are witnessing this now. Some people are more emotionally able to function right now, while others still fight it. We all feel fear, but some of looking for scapegoats and easy answers. Unfortunately, people like Mrs. Alving end up on the receiving end of these individuals. Paster Manders is unaware of his own feelings. He doesn't own them; therefore, things happen to him. He is helpless.
DeleteThank you, for asking about my family. We are well here and I hope you are, too.
As for the "curriculum" I will be sharing another Vlog, today with an update. We are no longer administering curriculum specifically to a class. This is coming from the sate. No deadlines. No grading. We can still connect, and you could still read Ibsen (along with others if they like), but nothing is mandated.