THE TARANTELLA IN A DOLL’S HOUSE

The thematic symbolism of a dance

TARANTELLA

TARANTELLA Is a folk dance performed across southern Italy. In 6/8 time (fast-paced) Changes between major and minor keys Various versions created by numerous composers Typically danced by couples

NORA’S COSTUME: A NEAPOLITAN FISHER GIRL

Refers to Naples, a region of southern Italy Wore ankle-revealing clothing

THE TARANTULA WOLF SPIDER

Native to southern Italy Supposedly poisonous bite In legend bite had one particularly

effective cure

TARANTELLA

A common tradition in the 16th and 17th century in Italy “Symptoms” were nervousness and energy Cure of spider bite was to dance frenetically to release

the poisons In some legends, works as an excuse for women to “let

loose”

SO WHY BLAME A SPIDER? BACK TO NORA:• Why might Torvald choose

this costume and dance for Nora?

• What are various “venoms” that Nora could be fighting off?

• What could the tarantella symbolize specifically for Nora and Torvald?

• Why does Nora comply? Why might she actually be true to herself through this performance?

• Based on the foreshadowing we discussed yesterday, will Nora’s “tarantella” be successful?

TARANTELLA INFO http

://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~insrisg/nature/nw97/tarantella.html

http://www.italiansrus.com/articles/tarantella.htm