A Doll's House Gender Roles Essay

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Nora is the protagonist on whom the play A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen revolves around and appears from the beginning to the end. She is the wife of Torvald Helmer, a moral orthodox and conventional person. In the beginning, she appears preparing for Christmas with full hope while hiding the Christmas Tree from the children, “Hide the Christmas Tree carefully, Helen. Be sure the children do not see it until this evening, when it is dressed.” (Meyer 756). Nora is blissfully contented as portraying the dutiful housewife and mother while hiding a secret that could turn her world into complete and utter turmoil. During the play, Nora’s character is consistently developed by her actions and speech, as her character undergoes the transition from a “doll” to an adult. Symbolism plays a major catalyst within the play, propelling Nora into becoming the woman that she is by the end of the play. Gender, The Doll’s House, and children are symbols that interlock the characters together throughout the play and bring them to life. Gender roles play a very symbolic role in A Doll’s House. Focusing on the many ways women are perceived in their multiple roles, this play central focus is …show more content…

And until the last act, Nora is in every scene, she seemingly never leaves this room. The action of throughout comes all to her. She is literally trapped in domesticity and given “housekeeping” money by Helmer as though she is a doll in a doll’s house. Helmer: “Come, come, my little skylark must not droop her wings. What is this! Is my little squirrel out of temper? (Taking out his purse.) Nora, what do you think I have got here? Nora (turning around quickly): Money! Helmer: There you are. (Gives her some money.) Do you think I don’t know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time? (Meyer 757). This scene suggests that Helmer’s treatment of Nora is superior and an appropriate way to treat one’s

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