Reaction Paper- Fiction: Drama- A Dolls House
The Play, A Dolls House is written by Henrik Ibsen. In this play, it expresses the notion of how women should be equal with men, but in a clever way. The plot in this story was handled beautifully the way Henrik built up the suspense. This play reaches out and grabs the attention of the reader from the beginning of the story with the immediate dishonesty of Nora toward her husband who seems to dehumanize her with animal names. The twist of the story is that she eventually comes to realize that her marriage was a scam.
The Play takes place during the holidays. It is Christmas time for the Helmers family and it is no coincidence. This was probably designed that way by Henrik to symbolize renewal or rebirth because throughout the course of the play, the characters become reborn figuratively speaking. The
In Act I, the interaction between the porter and Nora instantly focuses on money, which becomes the driving force of all conflicts in the play. Although Nora owes the porter sixpence, which is a half shilling in British coins, she pays him double the amount assuming that she is in the holiday spirit. Nora is a spendthrift and buys gifts to forget about other concerns, while Torvald is more practical when it comes to money. He jokes with her telling her that irresponsibility runs in her family.
Torvald claims that her lack of money management is because of her gender in the line, That is just like a woman! (794). This exposes Torvalds prejudice attitude toward gender roles. He believes a womens role is to make the home beautiful with proper appearance and behavior. Immediately he expresses that appearance is of most importance to him and that Nora is his trophy to enhance his reputation.
Nora feels and becomes dependent on Torvald the more he insists on addressing her by warmly diminutive nick-names. Torvald only calls her by her name is when is he is lecturing her. When he is admiring her he uses child-like names such as my little squirrel and my little skylark. By giving her those names, he places her beneath him and makes it known that he has power over her. He states that Nora does not have the proper financial responsibility when handling money, yet he gives her money to see her joyous reaction. This act is interesting in the fact that Torvald is amused by manipulating Noras emotions. Nora, who works hard to please Torvald, is a doll to him with whose feelings he can control. Not only is Nora a doll to him, but sort of a father figure when he scolds and instructs her. He seems to be compelled to compete with her father for her complete devotion.
The first conversation that Nora has with Mrs. Linde shows her self-centered personality. Although she constantly expresses to be concerned with Mrs. Lindes difficulties, she continuously returns to talking about herself. Another example of her selfishness was when she did not write to Mrs. Linde for 3 years. Until this point she had not made any attempt to pay her respects and doing so now does not appear genuine.
Flashbacks are used to paint a bleak picture of the hardships that Mrs. Linde had experienced with her Marriage from which she was left with not even an ounce of grief after her husband died. Mrs. Linde appears to be eager to guide Nora to becoming mature. Both women in A Dolls House marry for money but different reasons. Nora gives herself up for her own wellbeing, while Linde does it for the benefit of her sick mother and two younger brothers.
In the beginning of the play Torvald and Nora have what seems to be an honest and joyful conversation, but at the end of act one the audience learns that the Helmer Household has its fair share of secrets and lies. When Nora lies about the macaroons to Torvald, immediately one can foreshadow that troubling deceptions will arise for her. A bigger form of deception is when the audience learns of Noras forgery in the loan that she acquired in order to save her husband. At his point Nora becomes a sympathetic figure, because her intentions were noble, not selfish. She lies about eating the macaroons because of the prejudicial treatment she gets from Torvald. If he could receive the help of his wife and stopped controlling every aspect of her life, there would be no need for Nora to lie to him.
Act two shows where Torvald does not like sewing in his home expresses that he likes appearances and a beautiful wife should be a showpiece and not have to work. Torvald constantly treats Nora like a doll and quickly shows that this is his defining characteristic. Nora eventually realizes that he will agree to her wishes of keeping Krogstad in the bank. if she calls herself little bird or little squirrel. She similarly manipulated Dr. Rank by showing him her stockings hoping to encourage him to persuade Torvald into keeping Krogstad. It backfired on her when Rank confessed his love for her.This act shows Nora beginning to realize the truth about her marriage.
Throughout the play, the audience witnesses Torvald enjoying the dependence that Nora has for him. He does have restrictions upon her, but he does not seem like a dictator. His love for Nora is so great that he lets her to whatever she wants. For example he gives her money after teasing her about spending money.
After the party, Torvalds control over Nora takes a dark twist when he makes the perverted advances toward her. In act three he treats her more like a possession. He dressed her up in the costume he chose and instructed her to dance in the way that he desired.
Because Torvald viewed her as a possession he found himself feeling incredulous when his wife rejected his sexual advances. He believed in this illusion that he created with Nora so much that he cannot comprehend the reality. Eventually Tolvard realizes his lack of love for his wife as a person and her sacrifices even though she broke the law to save his life. His selfish actions after finding out the truth drove her to rethink her priorities and her future. Nora shows a hint of independence when she shifts from contemplating suicide to leaving Torvald.
Already have an account? Log In Now
5369