Henrick Ibsen's "A Doll's House"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, as Henrick Ibsen's play, "A Doll's House," progresses, the relationship between Nora and Torvald Helmer changes from that of a well-to-do husband and wife with cheerful children who seem to live the happy marriage life. The author points out that, towards the middle of the play, Nora seems to step away from her fantasy life, observing the fact that she is concerned about what her husband thinks of her. The paper relates that, during the third act, Nora finally opens her eyes to realize that her life with Torvald is over; and, as the play ends, she walks out of her "doll's house" into her new world of dependence, leaving Torvald to raise his three children on his own.

From the Paper:

"In the beginning of the play, Nora is a doll in her husband's eyes. She is a trophy he has won. He wants to keep his trophy pretty, pampered, and kept on a high pedestal. When he talks to his wife, he treats her like a little girl. He feels as if Nora should no nothing about their financial situation or any important issues in the household. It is a man's job in life to take care of the family. Torvald adores his wife, but treats her like she is not on the same level as him. "Look, Nora, in lots of things, you're still a child. I'm older than you in many ways and I've had a little more experience" (Act 2, pg. 184). He has pet names for her such as skylark, squirrel and featherbrain."

More papers on Henrick Ibsen's "A Doll's House":

• Analytical Essay # 58442 : "Relationships in "A Doll House"
• Essay # 143787 : "Tragic Love in the Hunchback of Notre-Dame and A Doll House "
• Analytical Essay # 36274 : "A Doll's House"

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