"A Doll's House" and Gender Roles

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House", a play considered to make sport of the traditional gender roles in marriage during the 19th century. The author examines the complex symbolism and meaning of the play and in particular, the main character Nora - who lives the ideal 19th century married life, and her relationship with her husband Torvald, the protagonist of the play, who treats her like she is a child. The paper speaks of Nora's journey towards self-discovery as she breaks away from the mold of 19th century wife and leaves her husband.

From the Paper:

"Torvald is very respected among other fellows and proud of his high professional moral standards. Nora pretends to be what her husband wants her to be, like a doll that could be manipulated: a mother raising the children, a housewife and nothing beyond that point. Overall it is Torvald's conception of marriage and family life that corresponds to a false ideal (for the sake of appearances) and that entraps Nora in a metaphorical gilded birdcage (in which Torvald wants her to sing "no false notes", i.e., to say or do nothing that would call his own respectability into question."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll's House [online text]. Bibliomania. 14 Dec. 2007 <http:www.bibliomania.com/0/6/322/2393/frameset.html>

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• Analytical Essay # 69874 : "A Doll's House"
• Analytical Essay # 123206 : "Symbolism in 'A Doll's House'"

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