Conflict in A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen

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Conflict in A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen

In every play, there is always conflict. Without it, the story would

simply be dull and boring. There would be no lessons learnt and

nothing that keeps the story going. Everyone has different opinions

and perceptions about particular things and this is why conflict

occurs – everyone is human and that is the reality. The different

kinds of conflict include the conflict between individuals, within the

individual and conflict with society.

In Henrik Ibsen’s play, A Doll’s House, there is evidence that all

three of these kinds of conflict exists.

Firstly, Helmer objectifies Nora. For example; “My darling. No one

else’s. My sweetheart, my treasure.” (Act 3 Lines 207-208). He also

called her names like “my little songbird… my little squirrel” (Act 1

Lines7-10) and “little featherbrain” (Act 1 Line 94). This

demonstrates that he really does not know her he only knows his

version of her. All this had led to a dishonest and an unopened

relationship between Helmer and Nora. There are a number occasions

when Nora had lied or misrepresented the truth. She had forged her

father’s signature in order to get money from Krogstad for Torvald

(Helmer) and she had also said things behind Torvald’s back which

reveals her true feelings or personality; “When he’s tired of me

dancing, reciting, dressing up. Then I may need something in reserve”

(Act 1 Lines 410-411). Torvald had a certain view of her (being all

innocent and depe...

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