IB English Group Blog

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Notes on Setting: A Doll's House and The Lion and the Jewel

A Doll's House:


  • The setting of this play is very simple and the set is limited; all the action takes place in one room. The effect of this is a sense of being trapped, and contributes to the realism of the action.
  • There are no outside scenes. This means that the characters describe outside action, and the audience is forced to imagine if they want to fully experience the play
  • The action is very focused by the setting of this play. Since there is little else to look at besides the actors, the attention of the audience is directed towards the actors.
  • Since the action is so limited by the setting, the time scale of this play seems much more realistic. This makes the play as a whole very beleivable for the audience.
  • A Doll's House is set in the 1890s, which contributes to the development of the female characters. Without this important element in the setting, the play would not be able to take place, as Nora would have been allowed to sign the bond on her own

The Lion and the Jewel:

  • This play is mainly set outdoors. This makes it more difficult to create realistically in a theatre
  • Baroka's palace, the other main location for the play highlights the contrast between Baroka and Lakunle, Sidi's other suitor, with his schoolhouse. The palace is lavish compared to the simple schoolhouse
  • Sidi is the main character, and as such we see her travelling back and forth between the two settings as she is trying to decide what she will do. The changes in setting help create a sense of uneasyness in the audience
  • The time period is colonial, and as a result the audience sees the effects of this on the action. Mainly, Western influence and its impact on the village is brought to light.
  • The setting is a limiting factor in this play, neither time scale or stagecraft will allow accurate representation of the flashbacks, so mime is used.

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