Attribution Theory

Cruel & Unusual 

Attribution theory aims at explaining why things happen. It focuses on the idea of what a person attributes to the cause of something such as an event or behavior. An attribution that exists within the person is considered an internal attribution and known as a disposition attribution. When something occurs outside and considered part of the situation then it is an external attribution and known as a situational attribution. In addition to this, three reasons or theories exist to help explain and better understand actions. These are consensus, would others act similar, distinctiveness would people act similarly across other situations, and consistency which asks would the person act the same way each time. 

When looking at Azula she has moments of displaying both disposition and situational attributions. For example, throughout the entirety of the show Azula can be described as a cruel and manipulative character. Azula is often most pleased when she has caused others harm or suffering. This is seen in a flashback episode where Azula is bullying Zuko in front of her friends and does it only for her own amusement, as she even uses one of her friends as part of a joke. Azula then proceeds later in the episode to taunt Zuko about how their grandfather plans to kill him because of the actions of his father, and then smiles when Zuko’s face is later burnt and scarred by their father because he spoke out during a meeting. This shows her dispositional attribution because it is something that is found within Azula specifically and because she likes to see others in pain she acts in a manner that brings that about, and feels joy because of it. 

Azula's situational attribution is seen in the episode where she goes to the boiling rock prison. This occurs in Season 3, and involves Azula going to this prison to capture her brother who is now a traitor for switching sides and aiding the Avatar. In this episode, Zuko is attempting to escape the prison after breaking in to rescue his friend Sokka’s father. As they are making their escape, Azula and her friends appear to keep them in the prison. However, as the battle goes on, Azula’s close friend Mai betrays her to save Zuko and in response, Ty Lee attacks Azula to keep her from harming Mai. This results in two betrayals for Azula. As a result of this situation, Azula becomes paranoid and untrusting of any and everyone around her. This shows how the situation brought about new and distressing events for Azula. In addition, she imprisons both of her childhood friends for their actions.