Theme Of Women In A Doll's House

The roles of women have changed substantially throughout time. During the 19th century, it was normal for a man to dominantly rule his household. Ibsen wrote the play, A Doll House, in hopes of demonstrating and criticizing the marital roles of his century. It is clear Ibsen believed in a world that is equal. In this play, Ibsen created characters that struggled to escape these impractical expectations. Ibsen’s play, A Doll House, is a symbol of his view towards feminism during the 1800s and shows the effects caused by such a problem; evidence of this can be found in the similarities of his characters to the average woman of this time period, the theme of his play, and how these characters relate to women of today’s time. The protagonist

During the 19th century men seemed to rule the world, they controlled the businesses, the money, and their wives. Although Nora is one of the more economically advantaged women of this story, she is still expected to live up to society 's high expectations. This role includes being controlled by her counterpart. Another example of this theme is shown through Nora’s nanny. The nanny gives up her own child to take care of someone else 's. She even considers herself lucky to have this low paying job. The nanny explains, “A girl who’s poor and who’s gotten in trouble is glad enough for that.”(II.1468) Linde, a friend of Nora’s, was once in love with Krogstad but was forced to leave him behind in order to marry a wealthier man so she could provide for her family. Nora sacrifices her children at the end of the story to obtain her own identity, Linde sacrifices the love of her life to offer her family a better one, and the nanny gives up her own child to take care of someone else

Lee remarks, “The play set off a firestorm of controversy” (620). When this play was published many felt as if it was too controversial and improper. He was even forced to portray an alternative ending in which Nora did not leave her family. Nowadays, the most memorable scene is the slamming of the door. “Its depiction of a new, modern brand of human relationship promised exciting changes, while simultaneously causing deep anxiety about its lasting impact on women and family.” (Choi 60) This play changed the idea of a modern woman for a new generation. The conflict of this play was caused by Nora forging her father 's signature in order to receive a loan. In today’s time, it is normal for a woman to take out a loan. Perhaps even, if this play was set in the 21st century the characters of this story would not be in this predicament. Linde is a single woman in this story, but this does not give her much of an advantage. She is poor and because she is a female, she is only able to obtain a low paying job such as a teacher or a waitress. Single women of today’s time can hold a good income and are able to raise a family. In this story marriage is some sort of trap, something that does not hold any benefits but is rather a social stamp. Divorce is more of a social norm now, people are much more accepting. The nanny in this story considers herself lucky to have