Iorek's Torment: Internal ConflictsContext: Lyra journeys to the North in her bid to rescue the children from the GOBBLERS. Here she meets Iorek Byrnison, a wild, noble armoured bear and rightful king of his clan, who has been deposed by the vain and deceitful Iofur Raknison. Iorek has lost his dignity and self-respect through adopting human behaviour. Lyra recognises his innate strength and nobility and encourages him to regain his armour and his throne. (For further information see synopsis). Before reading the extract, ask the students to reflect on a time that they did something that didn’t feel right – a time when they were not true to their own beliefs. Reassure them that they will not have to share their thoughts with others, unless they want to. You might ask them to make an image of their feelings. They can add words to the image if they want to. In pairs and taking parts, ask the students to read the extract How Iorek was Tricked . - What type/s of conflict is/are illustrated in this scene? (e.g. Iorek's internal conflict (loss of self-respect), conflict with an adversary)
- Why has this conflict arisen?
- How could Iorek regain his self-respect?
View the video Iofur Deceived - In what ways does Iofur’s character contrast with Iorek’s?
After his meeting with Lyra, Iorek regains his self-respect and once again can wear his armour. Iofur has lost touch with his true nature and this ultimately leads to his downfall. - Students might use a range of materials including felt pens, pencils, pastels and paints to draw what they think self-respect or lack of self respect looks like. (The class might be divided in half, with each half drawing one feeling).
- Alternatively students could make masks to reflect the different feelings.
- Share and evaluate each other’s work.
- The drawings could be displayed with images of Iorek Byrnison to show the contrast in his character before and after he regains his armour (a bear’s armour is the equivalent of a human’s daemon).
These ideas might also be explored using drama strategies. - In small groups, students can create two contrasting ‘sculptures’ to reflect the feelings of self-respect and loss of self-respect.
- While viewing each other's work they might ‘thought shower’ words that are suggested to them by the images.
- The words can be written on large sheets of paper and placed around the sculptures to encourage reflection.
Ask students to think about: - Other stories in which characters experience internal conflict (e.g. King Arthur, Hamlet, Dr Jekyll etc).
- The sorts of internal conflicts they may experience(e.g. peer pressure vs. parental pressure; spend o save pocket money).
Summarise: - We all experience internal conflict
- It’s important to be your own person and true to your own values
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