"He who wishes to
understand
me, must know Norway. The magnificent, but severe, natural
environment
surrounding people up there in the north, the lonely, secluded life. .
. they often lose faith. At home every other person is a
philosopher!
There, the long, dark, winters come with their thick fogs enveloping
the
houses--oh, how they long for the sun!"--Henrik Ibsen
"It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it."--Jeseph Joubert
Resolution: Nora Helmer should leave her husband and children.
You will consider whether or not Nora Helmer should have left at the end of the play. The affirmative will agree, saying, yes, Nora should leave her husband and children. The negative will disagree, stating that Nora should have stayed. Be sure to use examples from the text to back up your argument. Appeal to the audience's sense of both logic and emotion. In the cross examination, ask pointed questions that cast doubt on the opposing side's argument no matter how the question is answered. In the closing statement, review all the holes in the other side's theory and all the reasons why your side is correct.
The
debate
will occur in the following format:
1. The Affirmative gives
his/her
opening statement. (No longer than 7 minutes)
2. The Negative cross
examines the affirmative. (No longer than 2 minutes)
3. The Negative gives
his/her opening statement. (No longer than 7 minutes)
4. The Affirmative cross
examines the negative. (No longer than 2 minutes)
5. The Affirmative
presents
his / her rebuttal. (No longer than 5 minutes)
6. The Negative presents
his / her rebuttal. (No longer than 5 minutes)
7. The Affirmative
presents
his / her rebuttal. (No longer than 3 minutes)