A Comparison Of Marriage In A Doll's House And The Storm

A Doll’s House play by Henrik Ibsen shares many comparisons and contrasts with the short story “The Storm” by Kate Chopin. In fact, Ibsen’s play premiered at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark on December 21, 1879. This play aroused significant changes in the attitudes towards 19th century marriages (princeton.edu). Interestingly, “The Storm” stands as the sequel to Chopin’s other short story “At the Cadian Ball”. Kimbel wrote in his article on Dictionary of Literary Biography, “Her first two published stories appeared in the summer of 1889” (Kimbel 1). In the short story, “The Storm”, and drama, A Doll’s House, both the authors contain different plots, share a similar subject where both the female protagonist commit clandestine wrongdoings, comprise an identical theme of marriage, and include different symbols.

Both of the authors have manifold of disparities in their plots. Ibsen’s play begins with a cheerful, young wife Nora Helmer, excited for her husband’s new job as a bank director. As the play progressed, Nora revealed that she once secretly borrowed a great sum of money so that her husband, Torvald, could convalesce from a serious illness. She hid this secret from him, and has secretly paid it back in small installments by saving money from her household allowance. Torvald views Nora as a careless and childlike person, and he often calls her his doll. This play also discusses the relationship of Dr. Rank, the family friend of Torvald, and Nora. Devaull states in her article on Nora’s Final Inheritance in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, “Dr. Rank is a rich older gentleman who loves [Nora], and he will die soon” (Devaull 1). When Torvald received his job as the bank director, his first responsibility stood as to remove...

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...ll’s House, both of the authors write their plots differently, discuss a similar issue where both the female characters conceal their secrets, encompass an alike theme of marriage, and contain diverse symbols. While both of the authors use a feminine main character to contain a secret, they also use a similar theme of marriage in their writing. As a result of her dishonorable act, Nora abandons her marriage when she finds out the reality of her marriage. Similarly, Chopin also inscribed the theme of marriage into her writing. As an outcome of her affair, Calixta’s marriage strengthens. However, both authors contain unique symbols in their writing. While the Christmas tree symbolizes Nora, the storm symbolizes the relationship Calixta had with Alcee. Both the drama and short story contain significant events, which teaches valuable lessons and ideals to the society.