Chapter 03
The Art of Social Performance
Anna Pávlovna’s reception was in full swing. The spindles hummed steadily and ceaselessly on all sides. With the exception of the aunt, beside whom sat only one elderly lady, who with her thin careworn face was rather out of place in this brilliant society, the whole company had settled into three groups. One, chiefly masculine, had formed round the abbé. Another, of young people, was grouped round the beautiful Princess Hélène, Prince Vasíli’s daughter, and the little Princess Bolkónskaya, very pretty and rosy, though rather too plump for her age. The third group was gathered round Mortemart and Anna Pávlovna.…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Decode the Social Theater
Think of a recent social or work situation where you felt like everyone was performing rather than being genuine. Map out the 'roles' people were playing and identify who was directing the performance. What topics were off-limits? What would have happened if someone had broken character and gotten real?
Consider:
- •Notice who has the power to change topics or redirect conversations
- •Identify what the group is protecting by maintaining the performance
- •Consider the costs and benefits of authentic versus performed interactions
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you chose to be authentic in a situation that called for performance, or when you played a role to keep the peace. What did you learn about yourself and the group dynamics?
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