# Understanding Emotions

## Overview

In this chapter, students explore the significance of emotions in theatre and everyday life. It introduces students to the **Navarasas (nine emotions)**, their **intensities**, and **styles of expression** — both **realistic (Lokadharmi)** and **stylised (Natyadharmi)**. The chapter also links ancient art and architecture to emotional storytelling and helps students develop **empathy**, **expression**, and **emotional intelligence** through interactive activities and performances.

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## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Emotions and Theatre

* Emotions are central to life and theatrical performance.
* Bharata Muni’s *Natyashastra* emphasizes the role of **Bhava** (inherent state) and **Rasa** (felt emotion).
* **Navarasa**: 9 key emotional states.
* Introduction to the concept of **emotional intensity**: Each emotion can be experienced at different levels (e.g., mild anger to rage).

### 2. Activity-Based Learning

#### A. Emotional Corners Game

* Each room corner represents one Rasa (emotion).
* Students express emotions using **voice**, **facial expression**, and **body language**.
* Levels of intensity are created within each Rasa.
* Example: **Happiness**

* Level 1: Immediate joy (ice cream)
* Level 2: Achievement (winning a prize)
* Level 3: Connection (helping friend)
* Level 4: Ultimate good (donation)

#### B. Storytelling with Emotion Levels

* Children narrate stories using levels of emotion.
* Builds narrative ability and helps students relate emotions to situations.
* Encourages imagination and group collaboration.

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### 3. Exploring Expression Styles

* Different students express the same emotion in different ways.
* Expression styles may include different **body movements** or **voice modulations**.
* Activities focus on observing and identifying styles.

#### Acting Styles

* **Natya Dharmi**: Exaggerated, theatrical acting with costumes, music, and loud voice.
* **Loka Dharmi**: Realistic, natural acting with everyday behavior.
* Bharata Muni categorized both in the *Natyashastra*.
* Students try both through **Activity 1.2: Pick Your Style** — performing simple actions in stylised or realistic forms.

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### 4. Emotions in Ancient Architecture

* Indian sculptures express intense emotions and stories without words.
* Examples:

* **Veera Rasa**: Boy fighting a lion – Belur (Hoysalas)
* **Bhayanaka Rasa**: Guardian statues – Tanjavur (Cholas)
* **Trimurti Sculpture**: Three forms of Shiva representing emotions – Elephanta Caves (Rashtrakutas)

#### Dedication in Art

* Ancient sculptors like **Jakanachari** showed unwavering devotion and discipline.
* Stories highlight how emotional commitment made art timeless.

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### 5. Emotional Intelligence and Theatre

* Theatre helps students become emotionally aware and empathetic.
* There is no “right” way to feel or express an emotion.
* Students learn to understand others’ feelings and express their own better.
* These skills are valuable for life, not just performance.


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## Keywords

| Sanskrit / Hindi | English |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------- |
| रस (Rasa) | Emotion / Aesthetic flavour |
| भाव (Bhava) | Mood / Inner feeling |
| नवरस (Navarasa) | Nine emotions |
| लोकधर्मी (Lokadharmi) | Realistic acting |
| नाट्यधर्मी (Natyadharmi) | Stylised acting |
| अभिव्यक्ति (Abhivyakti) | Expression |
| मूर्तिकला (Moortikala) | Sculpture |
| वीर रस (Veera Rasa) | Bravery / Courage |
| भय रस (Bhayanaka Rasa) | Fear |
| हास्य रस (Hasya Rasa) | Humour |

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## New Terms and Simple Definitions

| Term | Definition |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Bhava | The internal emotional state or mood a person or actor feels |
| Rasa | The emotional flavor or feeling experienced by the audience |
| Navarasa | The nine main emotions described in Indian performance arts |
| Lokadharmi | A natural, realistic style of acting similar to real-life expressions |
| Natyadharmi | A dramatic, stylised form of acting using costume, voice, and gesture |
| Intensity | The level or degree of strength in emotion (mild to extreme) |
| Expression Style | The way an emotion is expressed using voice, face, and body |
| Empathy | Understanding and sharing the feelings of others |
| Sculpture | A carved or shaped figure, often seen on ancient temples or monuments |
| Emotional Corners | A game to practice expressing emotions by moving to parts of a room |

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## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)

1. **What is meant by Navarasa?**

* **Answer**: Navarasa refers to the nine emotions described in Indian performance arts, like anger, joy, fear, and surprise.
* **Explanation**: "Nava" means nine and "rasa" means emotion or flavour.

2. **What is the difference between Bhava and Rasa?**

* **Answer**: Bhava is the internal mood or feeling; Rasa is the emotion felt by the audience due to that Bhava.
* **Explanation**: Bhava is the cause, and Rasa is the effect.

3. **Name two emotions from the Emotional Corners game.**

* **Answer**: Hasya (Humour), Veera (Bravery).
* **Explanation**: These are among the Navarasas used in the game.

### Medium (2)

4. **What is the importance of expressing emotions in theatre?**

* **Answer**: Expressing emotions helps actors connect with the audience and makes the performance real and relatable.
* **Explanation**: Without emotion, the performance lacks life and meaning.

5. **How are Lokadharmi and Natyadharmi different?**

* **Answer**: Lokadharmi is natural and real-life acting; Natyadharmi is exaggerated and stylised acting.
* **Explanation**: Lokadharmi uses simple expressions; Natyadharmi uses dramatic expressions and costumes.

### Difficult (3)

6. **Explain with example how the same emotion can have different intensities.**

* **Answer**: Example: Happiness can be felt mildly after eating a favourite food or deeply when helping others.
* **Explanation**: Each emotion can vary in strength depending on the situation.

7. **Describe the story of Jakanachari and how it reflects emotional dedication.**

* **Answer**: Jakanachari was a sculptor who cut off his hands due to a flaw in his statue. His dedication was so great that he considered even a small error unworthy of divine work.
* **Explanation**: Shows complete devotion to art and emotion in work.

8. **How can theatre help in building empathy among students?**

* **Answer**: Theatre allows students to understand and perform different emotions, helping them recognize and respect others’ feelings.
* **Explanation**: By observing and expressing varied emotions, students become more emotionally aware.

### Very Difficult (2)

9. **How do sculptures in ancient temples convey emotions without words?**

* **Answer**: Through facial expressions, posture, and storytelling in stone (e.g., Veera Rasa in boy fighting lion).
* **Explanation**: Visual art communicates emotions just like acting, using form instead of words.

10. **Why is emotional intelligence important in both theatre and life?**

* **Answer**: Emotional intelligence helps us manage our feelings, understand others, and build stronger relationships — on stage and in real life.
* **Explanation**: It leads to better communication, confidence, and empathy.

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