Nora's Strength

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Nora’s Strength The classical drama “A Doll’s House”, by Herik Ibsen is a perfect example of society’s view of women at the time of publication. This classic is appreciated in modern day as well because of Ibsen’s exceptional use of irony and symbolism. Set in the 1800’s, Nora makes a loan with Mr. Krogstand without her husband, Torvald’s, approval. In order for this loan to be approved, she needed her father’s signature of which she was unable to obtain because of his death. Because this money was needed in order to save her husband’s life, forging her father’s signature was the only answer. Krogstand, for his own selfish reasons, wrote Torvald a letter explaining Nora’s indiscretions. Once Torvald was able to view the letter, his true self was revealed to Nora. With the revelation of Torvald’s lack of lack of empathy, lack of communication, and selfishness, Nora finds within her the strength she needs to sacrifice her family and go against the patriarchal society and ultimately reveal her own independence. Because Torvald views Nora as an invaluable member of society as well as his household, he refuses to understand Nora’s feelings when Krogstand’s letter is revealed to him. As Torvald reads the horrid letter, he questions Nora as to the validity. Nora tries desperately to explain to Torvald that the letter is true; however, the heinous crime was committed all in the name of love for him. His reaction to her is “Oh, don’t let us have any silly excuses” (Act 3). Torvald responds to Nora in such a way that he does not believe that she could commit such a malicious act out of love for him. Torvald continues to desire answers as to why she would have acted so recklessly, however he does not stop shouting to... ... middle of paper ... ...n living to please her father, and now Torvald. Nora at last comes to the realization that her life is worth more than just existing, she needs to find out exactly who she is, all on her own, by leaving her husband and children behind. The decision for Nora to leave her husband and children behind is an extremely difficult decision to make. I am able to understand how she could leave her husband, the self-righteous and pompous man that he is; however, leaving her children behind is a much more difficult decision to make. Through Torvald’s anger with Nora, he states to her that women are accountable for the decency of their children. He states further that because of her scandalous act; she is no longer able to be a role model for them. Because Nora understands that she is an uneducated woman, she agrees with Torvald and chooses to leave her children behind.

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