A Doll's House

A Doll's House

  • Submitted By: Erika-Wright
  • Date Submitted: 10/04/2014 11:36 PM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 1684
  • Page: 7
  • Views: 1

Ahead of Her Time
The play, A Doll’s House, by Henrik Ibsen, encourages the discussion of women’s rights during the Victorian era. This play was ahead of its time; and considered particularly scandalous because it defied the Victorian values of family life, and politeness largely held by those living during this era in Europe (“Henry Ibsen”). To these individuals, Ibsen’s work was depraved and offensive, as it challenged the realities of the time by examining the facades that lay beneath societal norms. Audiences expected Victorian-era plays to be ethical dramas with noble protagonists at its center (“Henry Ibsen”); and thus, many viewed Nora’s actions as morally inappropriate when she transformed from being a doting mother and wife, to an independent woman who seeks to understand life outside of controlled domestication. Nora’s submissiveness toward Torvald and inferior status within her marriage is emblematic of her life of repression, and increases her feelings of inhibition to experience the world. These emotions, however, do not stem from the betrayal, but rather originate from a variety of oppressive social conventions that manifest through the treatment of her husband.
A Doll’s House centers on both Nora and her husband, Torvald, an arrogant banker who relies wholly on the perceptions of others to bring him satisfaction. His ideals surrounding perfection are only possible, however, if his wife appears obedient at his side, caters to him indisputably, and simultaneously, looks like a sparkling trophy. While their marriage seems privileged and blissful from the outside, Nora betrays Torvald’s trust, which brings forth how superficial their life together has been for eight years, and reveals to Nora how subordinate her role is in their marriage. From the beginning of the play, Ibsen conveys the message that the Nora’s position in her home is inferior to Torvald, by the use of inappropriate nicknames, emphasizing the lack of control she has over...

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