Over the course of this paper, we will take a look at the structure of the play by looking at the six elements Aristotle thought were the most important in any play; plot, characters, theme, diction, music, spectacle, and convention. We will also take a look at the seventh element of convention and how it works itself into the play to makes the play come to life.

As we begin the play, we see Nora coming in to the house with packages from her day of Christmas shopping. There is a general sense of happiness. Nora seems to be full of life and reminds you of a child by her clothes and her giddiness.

Soon after returning home, Nora is met by her husband, Torvald. Torvald has recently received a promotion at the bank, which will allow the Helmer family to be able to afford some of the finer th

With the letter in the box, Nora tries every trick in the book to keep Torvald from checking it. Torvald can see that there is a letter from Krogstad and wants to open it. Nora begs him not to think about work and to help her in the dance that they will be performing at a party.

When this play was written, a woman’s role was to be seen and not heard. They were supposed to stand up, agree with what the husband said and never question what he says. At this point in time, women were not able to vote or to hold public office. The place for the women in these families was in the home, taking care of the children and making sure that all the needs of her husband were met.

The stage did not change throughout the play. It was set in the home of the Helmers. The high doors on the set made it look as if the characters in the play were actually playing and living in a “dolls house.” The toys on the stage were representative of the things that children play with. The house was not very elegantly furnished with the fine things that Torvald liked. The reason for the house to not have many things was the fact that the Helmer family did not have a lot of money to spend and Torvald had just gotten the job at the bank.

The diction of Dr. Rank and Torvald was a bit different than Nora’s. Torvald had a loud booming voice. His diction is what made him seem like he was the all powerful man of the house and here too it can be said that he demanded obedience and commanded his authority. His articulation was very clean, crisp, and clear. I do not believe that we are ever told completely about his education, but from his word use and choice, it is obvious that he has a higher education. Dr. Rank was similar to Torvald in the fact that his word choice and emphasis was one that was demanding and respectful, but still able to be gentle when he needed to.

In a scene where a lamp is brought in to the room, lights around the stage would give off an orange or amber glow representing the candle light. This will be talked about more in convention.

Some topics in this essay:
Linde Nora, Krogstad Nora, Rank Helmers, Dr Rank, House” Ibsen, Torvald Torvald, Diction Diction, Convention Convention, Nils Krogstad, Torvald Krogstad, throughout play, dr rank, husbands life, taking care, word choice, play nora, nils krogstad, krogstad nora, care children, job bank, throughout play torvald, husband wife relationship, dr rank torvald, seen suit tie, relationship husband wife,