Dupree 1 Asia Dupree Instructor Name English 1102 2014 July 13 Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll House” Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll House displays a symbolic yet simple story setting that displays the life of a woman who is seen as a child. As the play opens on a holiday, readers are introduced to Nora Helmer, whom has just bought a Christmas tree for her family. From the opening statement, readers can tell that Nora is upbeat and happy about life itself—especially things regarding her family. She is overly excited that her husband will become bank manager once the New Year arrives which means they will be earning more money. However, once her husband Torvald and she interact, it is easy to assume that she is submissive almost automatically. From the beginning, Torvald treats and speaks to Nora as if she is one of his children. But the nicknames and ear- pulling does not cause an uproar by Nora; instead she is affectionate by it and finds it rather normal than unusual. Some scholars suggest that the act she has endured for this long period of time is endured due to the inheritance from her father. (DeVaull) Nora’s father is hinted as a man whom felt the same way about women as Torvald—beneath them or not capable of individuality. Ibsen uses the doll as the symbol for what Nora’s life resembles. Dolls are to be delicate and obedient, doing only the necessary things that they are instructed to do, figuratively speaking. Very similar to this, women during this time were supposed to be the same as the dolls, following up behind the lives of their husbands. However, everyone eventually knew there would be a time when women would find their independence.
Dupree 1
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