The Theme Of Freedom In A Doll's House

From the Oxford Dictionary, freedom is described as, “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint”. In A Doll’s House written by Henrik Ibsen, freedom doesn 't mean the same for every character. Everyone has their own opinions and beliefs. The play takes its readers into the life of Nora and Torvald Helmer. Nora’s husband treats her more like a child than an adult. He believes that she is weak and needs him by her side at all times. By the end of the play, Nora lets Torvald know what she thinks of being treated this way and gives him a taste of how it feels. Just as Nora’s view on freedom changes with time, many other characters in the play change their outlook on freedom, as well. Nora Helmer, mother of three, never goes against what her lovely husband tells her to do. She is the perfect house wife and always makes sure that her husband is happy. Most of the

He believes that she can’t handle her own money. He doesn 't believe that women should have total freedom. Women need guidance and need to be monitored. Torvald believes that he is free to do whatever he wants without asking Nora about it. He doesn 't need her permission. Torvald’s definition of freedom is directed towards men. Men can do whatever they want on their own but women on the other hand need guidance from their spouse. He believes that he is just helping Nora make the right decisions. Towards the end of the play whenever Nora decides to leave her family, Torvald’s attitude changes. He then realizes that he wants Nora in his life and will do anything if she stays. HELMER. I have it in me to become a different man (78; all page references are to the class text of A Doll’s House). At this point, Torvald realizes that he needs Nora. He knows how much she does for him and he doesn 't want to lose her. Unfortunately for Torvald, it was too