Frustration

It can begin with a detailed analysis of the emotions shown by the two characters and a discussion on the possible explanations for their discrepancy (excitement, disappointment, annoyance, anger, sadness for the little one, impassivity and surprise for the older one). This can take the form of writing work to imagine the thoughts of the characters, alternating with moments of sharing and discussion, to fully explore the symmetry (in law) of the two points of view.

Secondly, we will focus on the context of the “conflict” in the film: the expectations of the family reunion, the role of the telephone. Here again, it's about digging into the situation to imagine the habits or implicit rules (would the situation have been different if the little sister just wanted to ask a question? why doesn't she interrupt her big sister's phone call? etc.). This is an opportunity to make the link with a pragmatic questioning about the rules of politeness, child/adult hierarchies, rules for using objects, etc.

After this clearing, the time comes to construct short sketches with two characters, reusing the ideas discussed. The children formulate half a dozen situations to play without accessories and without words. At this stage, the teacher can suggest a role reversal: it is the child who is absorbed in a task and the adult who tries to communicate something to him. The children work in pairs, either by writing beforehand or, preferably, by improvisation. Then they present to the class.

To prepare for the activity, you should try to keep in mind the difference between historical/social questioning and ethical/moral questioning. The exploration of situations should therefore stop before social issues, in particular the role of frustration as a central theme of education. The debate on this subject, which is a recent historical construction, is not really relevant here. It is above all a matter of having children manipulate notions such as the vocabulary of emotions, divergent logics of behavior, the exchange of roles, the simulation of a debate, etc...

Extension and references

• Another short film from the platform: “Unsatisfying”.
• For an overview of the history of the notion of frustration, we can consult the article by Johanna Stute-Cadiot: “Frustration”, in Figures de la psychoanalyse, vol. 18, no. 2, 2009, pp. 171-179 – visible online at CAIRN.