How Is Krogstad Presented In A Doll's House

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Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House captures and conveys with poignancy the futility and hollowness of a society engrossed in outward appearance. This can be easily conveyed through a manipulation of costume in the production to portray the façade put up by each character. One particular scene in Act II involves a confrontation between Nora and Krogstad, revealing their obsession with attaining and upholding a certain image in the public eye. Nora, who would be dressed presentably and distinctly femininely, gives the outward appearance of a definite childish helplessness. Even though these initial impressions of her are eventually undercut, it is important that she first be presented to the audience as one of Torvald’s possessions – she is his doll. …show more content…

“Torvald, with all his masculine pride,” (1.437-438) does not live the opulent and compelling life he wishes others to believe of him. Nora, too, recognizes the importance of appearance. When Krogstad insults Torvald, Nora “demand[s] respect for [her] husband,” (2.544) and is apprehensive when reminded that Krogstad is, “in control of [her] final reputation,” (2.636) which reflects directly back onto her husband. The perpetrator in this scene, Krogstad, would be dressed in a well put-together travelling outfit. We know that because of his illicit past he is frowned upon by others in society, but the audience will gather from his costume choice that he is putting up the front of a man he wants to be, not the one he is. Krogstad wants to advance his position and, “get on in the world,” (2.606-607) by, “working [his] way up step by step,” (2.611). This is yet another character presented by Ibsen that is concerned solely with status and image – both of which can lead to lying and

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