A Doll’s House
In the 19th century A Doll’s House proved a social bomb. It has shaken Victorian society’s false values. This play is written by Henrik Ibsen and was published in 1879. It deeply exposes the women’s role in society and the toxic relationship of society.
The play contains the story of a suppressed woman who is considered man’s property and treated emotionally. She is emotionally ignored in the name of domestic violence. The character Nora is a symbol for those who are struggling for financial freedom and bearing emotional torture.
Background of A Doll’s House
This play highlights women’s individual freedom. In 19th century Europe women were limited to indoor life. They have no right to vote and to open a bank account. Women were considered men’s property. At first when this play was staged it became a scandal.
It was unacceptable for society to leave Nora children and husband. Today Nora’s role has become a symbol of self-consciousness. It is a reflection for those who are victims of domestic violence or emotional exploitation. Henrik Ibsen is known as a door of realism and she has written about human freedom.
Plot Summary of A Doll’s House
The plot of a doll’s house starts with Christmas Eve and Nora Helmer seems to be happily decorating the house. Her husband Torvald Helmer has a job in a bank and she hopes for a better life ahead. Their financial situation is not good but they are hoping for the best in the coming time.
Nora acts like children and makes innocent movements and demands money from Torvald Helmer. Torvald considers calling her girl a nickname and perceives her as an idiot in the matter of money. During all this conversation Nora’s best friend Kristine Linde visits and requests for a job because she is jobless and facing financial issues.
Nora wonders when she hears that Krogstad has come home and it is the same person whom she has bought debit. Krogstad threatens Nora that he will reveal her debit secret if her husband Torvald fires him from bank job.
Many years ago when Torvald was in bed, she got finance from Krogstad because at that time women were not allowed to get finance without their husband or father. Her fake sign worked this and for that she had to suffer a lot of difficulties and paid all. Now Krogstad is blackmailing her.
Nora requests her husband to continue his job but Torvald agrees to fire him. Nora talks to her friend Kristine Linde, an old love of Krogstad but the result is nothing. Nora prepares for a party to show her dance. After the party Nora returns home and Torvald starts insulting her because Krogstad’s letter reveals everything.
Torvald is full of anger and then the second letter comes with a pardon and Torvald becomes happy and forgives Nora. Torvald is concerned about his dignity and fame. Nora leaves the home by saying she wanted to groom her life. Torvald tries to stop her and in response she says firstly I have to become human. She leaves the home forever.
Theme of A Doll’s House
A Doll’s House is not only a story, it is the masterpiece of Henrik Ibsen containing the aspect of human relationships and social boundaries.
Character limitation:
The play exposes the Victorian society’s women status. In the outset of the novel Nora is presented as a little doll as her husband called her by nick name. Torvald considers her inferior and unentitled in financial matters. Women are portrayed as taking responsibility.
Individual identity:
Before marriage with Torvald, Nora was a doll of her father and after the marriage she became a doll of her husband. She is only limited to domestic work and considered Torvald property. Nora wanted to recognize herself being free from social boundaries. This self-conscious power forces her to leave the home including husband and children.
Importance of financial freedom:
In the 19th century women were not allowed to debit from banks. In the same way money has been presented as a symbol of power. Nora debits from the bank on a fake father signature to save Torvald’s life. After knowing the reality of Nora, her husband starts condemning and abusing.
Appearance and Reality:
In the beginning of the play an ideal family is seen. Everything is full of happiness and life is going in a positive way. But after some reading of the play, it is revealed that there is cheating, dread and oppression behind this happy life. Nora’s character shows she is inside unhappy but outside she is comfortable.
Main Characters Analysis A Doll’s House
Nora Helmer:
Nora is the protagonist of the play and wife of Torvald Helmer. She is a wife and mother and at the end of the play converts into a self-aware and independent woman. The secret aspect of her life is to save her husband’s life.
Torvald Helmer:
Torvald is the husband of Nora Helmer and working as a bank manager. He has complete control on her wife. Her calls her by a little white which shows his inferiority. Relationship is based on owner and slave. His real face is revealed when Nora’s secret is revealed. He starts cursing her.
Krogstad:
Krogstad is a complex character and a lawyer who works in Torvald bank. He does not have a good reputation in society. He starts blackmailing Nora when his job is in danger. At the end of the play he changes his attention which shows that he is not a complete bad man.
Kristine Linde:
Kristine Linde is the old friend of Nora and leads her life as a widow. She is completely serious and self-independent in the play. She has learned a lesson from life’s experience that happiness is obtained by independence from others.
Historical Impact and Why Doll’s house still matters
Doll’s house proved a revolution in the literary world and it challenged the traditional play structure. With all this it shanked Victorian society. In many regions it was regarded as unethical. This happened because society was not prepared to accept women’s independence.
With passing many years this play has increased its importance. Today, women are suffering and struggling against financial freedom, equality at work and domestic violence.