Henrik Ibsen's A Doll’s House

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A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen is a realistic drama that explores how the imbalanced treatment of women can dictate who they become. Nora Helmer embodies the need for evolution in regards to women and their roles within the family. The importance of this play, which was written in 1879, is still relevant in the modern world. This play helps to bring attention to the characters people play as a result of their circumstances.
The characterization of Nora and Torvald Helmer is a testament to possible inequalities in marriage. The relationship between the main characters Nora and Torvald is “a drama rife with emotional debts, secrets, recriminations, and sexual poverty” (Hilton). It is obvious by plays end that Ibsen’s character Nora Helmer has undergone a transformation. At opening we see an unsure, immature, childlike bride. This character seeks approval almost in a manner resembling a dog getting a pat on the head for retrieving his master’s slippers. Her entire demeanor resembles one who cannot think for themselves. She finds herself in a precarious situation that gives her more experience with life and people. These experiences enable Nora to mature and desire independence.
Torvald Helmer is a man of means and structure. All things in his life will be done his way, in decency and in order. He is an egotistical, chauvinistic man. He sees himself as a man who is beyond reproach, a man of means. Torvald believes himself to be a man who is in control of his home and business but he proves to be nothing more than a hypocrite when faced with the demons in his own closet. “The hero comes out a rather selfish man of the world who has found himself out” (Egan). At opening one could feel that this play would be about a you...

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...s House could have easily been written in 2014 as it still speaks about the evolution of women and their struggle to be heard. This remarkable play and its productions, speak a truth about women and the quiet sacrifices they make for the sake of family. Henrik Ibsen’s desire and curiosity towards equality for women is a testament that many can receive understanding from.

Works Cited

Als, Hilton. "The Marrying Kind A new production of “A Doll’s House.”." The New Yorker 14 Mar. 2014: 70-71. Print

Egan, Michael, B. C Southam, “Henrik Ibsen “ Collected Critical Heritage II. Oxfordshire: Taylor and Francis,1997, p110-113, 4p.
Scott, Clement, Michael Egan, and B. C. Southam. "Part 1: A DOLL'S HOUSE: Chapter 17: An Unsigned Notice By Clement Scott In The Daily Telegraph." Henrik Ibsen (0-415-15950-4) (1997): 101-103. Literary Reference Center. Web. 30 Apr. 2014.

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