Film analysis

Evil (Ondskan)

Key Questions

and

Creative tasks

Key Questions for the analysis of the film and the discussion in class:

1. The main character Erik is the only student who succeeds in his rebellion against conditions at Stjärnsberg. After the incident in the school dining room when Erik is beaten up by Silverhielm, Pierre asks Erik in an uneasy and slightly frightened voice, “Who are you, Erik?” Try to answer this question.

2. What do you think Pierre appreciates about Erik and vice versa?

3. What reasons could the stepfather have for beating Erik?

4. What do you think about the mother’s way of dealing with the problem? What could she have done differently?

5. How does Erik turn the “Saturday-Sunday” punishment into something positive?

6. How do the teachers react to what is going on at the school? What do you think of the way they handle the situation? What motives could they have?

7. Is there a winner in this story? Give reasons for your answer.

8. Compare the prologue and the epilogue. In what way has Erik changed?

9. Life at the school is very much based on oppression of the younger and weaker students and respect for the older and stronger ones, which creates an atmosphere of constant fear and repression. In what way could this affect the results in school? What are your ideas of “a good teacher” and “a good school”?

10. What method does Pierre recommend in order to end the use of violence at the school? Can you think of examples where this method has worked?

11. Erik is in conflict with himself about the use of physical strength, in other words: violence, to solve problems. At the same time the film deals with our attraction to violence and action. Does the film give any answers to the question of how to deal with violence?

12. Are there situations in which violence is justified?

N.1 Erik is a boy whose life is strictly linked to violence. He is used to use it in very day situation to achieve what he wants when he goes to Stjarnsborg. He is decided not to use violence any more (as his mother whish) and that’s why he cant stand people who uses violence. He has the courage to go against people, as Silverhielm, who abuse of their power.

N.2 Pierre appreciates Erik because he thinks he is brave, Eric likes Pierre’s intelligence and his peaceful behaviour.

N.3 Erik’s stepfather is a very violent men and he uses violence to be respected.

N.4 The mother accept this situation in a passive way because the man gives them the money to live . She should have protect his son going against his husband.

N. 9 Il clima di aura e di repressione può condizionare le lezioni e i risultati perché l’alunno potrebbe temere la vendetta dei compagni meno bravi e che si considerano umiliati dai risultati più brillanti raggiunti da altri. Il buon insegnante deve avere un rapporto di stima e di reciproco rispetto con gli alunni. Una buona scuola dovrebbe garantire protezione e libertà agli studenti che devono ripettare le regole della corretta convivenza civica.

n.9 I think : the teacher have to punish the bullying : a good teacher should be without prejudices about the students.

A good school should a school system well organized. ( Lorenzo )

I think: for being a good teacher, it needs to be very patient, friendly with students, The teacher have to understand students’ problems and that they need.(Sheila)

Il clima di oppressione all’interno della scuola porta ad un livellamento dei risultati degli studenti,che si rifiutano di mostrarsi sopra alla media per paura di essere picchiati. Un buon insegnante deve innanzitutto trasmettere le sue conoscenze agli alunni,e poi deve controllare le sue classi dal punto di vista disciplinare. Una buona scuola deve evitare che al suo interno vi sino episodi di violenza e se ci sono deve punirli gravemente.(Marco)

Il clima di oppressione all’interno della scuola può influenzare ;infatti gli studenti vengono spesso a scuola tesi insicuri e poco rilassati. Secondo me un buon insegnante deve essere non troppo rigido e deve essere chiaro nelle spiegazioni.

Una buona scuola dovrebbe invece andare incontro agli studenti e favorire la loro integrazione all’interno della collettività nell’Istituto.(Francesco)

The good teacher understand the schoolboys and he helps the people troubling in the difficulties.

My ideal school is a school where the students are free, but they must follow the lessons very seriously. (Cristiano)

Good teacher and good school are based on the friendly relationships ( Giuseppe)

Secondo me una buona scuola deve avere :

insegnanti giusti e attenti agli studenti

insegnanti chiari nelle spiegazioni

nessun compito a casa

studenti impegnati ad imparare con serietà d’impegno e attenzione agli insegnanti ( Ludovica)

A good school ,according to me, shall have:

Fair and affective teacher

Well organized learning processes stimulating the students ‘curiosity

Without study ‘domestic activities

Serious and motivated students following the teachers’ activities.

Una buona scuola deve essere caratterizzata dall’armonia tra studenti e professori.(Lorenzo)

N. 12: the violence isn’t never justified.(Lorenzo)

Ci sono delle circostanze in cui bisogna difendersi anche con la violenza (Francesco)

the violence isn’t never justified ; but there are any situations in which the violence must be stopped, and if it necessary also with

another violence.(Cristiano)

The violence is justified as self- defence.(Ludovica)

The violence is justified id it has been done for the truth’ war. It’s not justified when the violence is used for a outlet.(Lorenzo)