Nora in "A Doll's House"

Paper Summary:

This paper studies Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House", a three-act play which affords the audience an insightful perspective on one woman's epiphany. The paper's analysis focuses on the character of Nora Helmer who, when the story opens, appears to be the prototypical pampered wife. The paper dissects Nora's relationship to her husband, and comments on the changes in that relationship as a metaphor for the transformation of women's role in society. The paper also analyzes several literary techniques used by Ibsen in the play, including the retrospective technique to reveal important incidents from the past as the play progresses. Finally, the paper explores the feminist undertones of the play, and its commentary on the position of women in the late 19th century.

From the Paper:

"One soon learns that Nora is not quite the empty-headed spendthrift she appears. Rather, she has need of money in order to repay a debt owed Nils Krogstad from years past--one incurred in order to save her husband's life, but requiring that she forge her father's name. Her husband, of course, is completely unaware that all this has transpired. When Torvald assumes the bank presidency, Nora's creditor will lose his position there. So Krogstad threatens blackmail in an attempt to convince her to use her influence to save his job. Nora certainly tries, but Torvald is determined to dismiss Krogstad. The desperate man delivers a letter revealing his past association with the woman. After Torvald has read the letter and rejected Nora, Krogstad has a change of heart--at which point, so does Torvald. But it is too late. Nora realizes that her marriage to Torvald has never been a relationship between equals. She has lived with a stranger but cannot bear to continue as his mere toy, a doll in this doll's house. Nora leaves Torvald and her three children."

More papers on Nora in "A Doll's House":

• Analytical Essay # 58442 : "Relationships in "A Doll House"
• Analytical Essay # 8140 : "Ibsen's "A Doll House"
• Essay # 71213 : "Feminism in "A Doll's House"

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