Human Rights in A Doll's House

Human Rights in A Doll's House

I am a student of the IB program in Abu Dhabi, and I have read your

fantastic play, A Doll’s House. I found that its radical and very

different message about human rights and equality between men and

women was very eloquently conveyed. I have also had the opportunity to

read the alternate German ending to your play, where instead of

leaving Torvald after a heated argument, Nora looks in at her sleeping

children and is overcome by the image, deciding to stay. I would like

to express my opinion to you – regarding which ending I like better-

and hopefully you will consider what I have to say. I would also like

to tell you that I wish not to break too much from formalities, but

please do pardon any minor informal language you may come across; I

find they are necessary for me to persuade a person, especially one of

your skill and caliber.

The ending that I preferred was the original and initial one, where

Nora decides to leave Torvald and everything to do with him behind, so

as to start a new, more independent life for herself. There are a

couple of reasons why I think that your original ending is of better

quality, meaning, and substance. Firstly, I strongly believe that

introducing radical unforeseen ideas is the only way to bring about a

change in society. I understand that your message, and the way it was

conveyed, was extremely shocking for an audience of the Victorian

Period; I find that it is this element that makes your original ending

all the better. With the original ending, the crowd is able to be

astonished and surprised – therefore have the image ingrained in their

minds – whereas the alternate ending is less radical, and the audience

may not be as surprised by it. I also believe that your original

ending restores and conveys your message about human rights and

equality of the sexes much more effectively. When the argument between

Nora and Torvald ends with Nora leaving and shutting the door, there