Character Emotions Through Appraisal Theory

Post Prompt: This week, you should post about your Character's appraisal(s) that brought about important, specific emotions. Explain how your character's appraisal/emotions align with Appraisal Theories of emotion. What was the appraisal process?

Throughout the Handmaid’s Tale series, June Osborne’s emotions are the fuel that drives her decisions. With choosing to focus on a character who develops over five seasons, I will choose to pull most of my observations from season five. This gives room to reflect on who the character was in contrast to who she became. Throughout her struggles, June demonstrates some emotions more than others, including rage, guilt, and sadness. 

Looking at these emotions through an appraisal lens, June’s cognition to emotion/action channel is understandable. For example, her rage is fueled by seeing her daughter (previously taken away from her by the corrupt government and given to a new “moral” family) living apart from her, being indoctrinated by evil leaders to be a part of a violent government. Her guilt stems from the idea that she is responsible for the well-being of her child and the belief that she has failed. Lastly, the appraisal process for her sorrow is that it has been years since her family was separated. This leads her to realize her daughter doesn’t remember life before the corrupt government has taken over, therefore promoting June to spiral into sadness. Each emotion is connected through cognitions, appraisals that lead June to exhibit the mentioned emotions and corresponding action.

Comments

  1. Jeannine TurnerSeptember 24, 2023 at 6:40 PM

    You could also comment on the related action tendencies. When she experiences these emotions, what does she do?

    ReplyDelete

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