Feminism in ÒA Doll HouseÓ: A

ÒA Doll House,Ó by Henrik Ibsen is regarded as a feminist text despite IbsenÕs statements to the contrary. The play is about a woman claiming her independence after realizing the truths about herself and her marriage. At the end of the play, when Torvald doesnÕt protect her like she thought he would, Nora realizes that she doesnÕt even know who Torvald is, let alone who she is. During this play there are many instances where Nora is trying to assert herself. There are also many instances of the other characters, especially Kristine and Helmer, trying to stifle her, to quiet her. These instances reflect IbsenÕs theme that in this play, a woman is faced with many choices. She must choose between obligations to herself or her obligations to her family and society.

Throughout the play there are many examples of Nora attempting to speak out and make a decision on her own when confronted with othersÕ impressions of her. The most important instance actually happens before the play opens. Years ago her husband had became ill and needed to travel south to recover. So without his knowledge, Nora took it upon herself to borrow the money (by forgery), and i

ÒA Doll HouseÓ is a feminism text because of how Ibsen chose to tell NoraÕs story. In the beginning, except for a couple of lines, she really was the child that everyone treated her as. However, as the play ends, Nora has come into her own and really realized some valuable life lessons. The fact that she leaves her family, despite what society thought at that time, truly defines this work. As a feminist work, this play gave women hope that they too can claim their identities, and also taught them that they should be in control of their lives from the very beginning so they donÕt have to suffer the way that Nora and her family did. Throughout this play, Nora was faced with choices. It is at the end that she finally makes the right choice for herself.

Nora may have acted and been treated like a child, but this play does have a feminist theme, which is shown by NoraÕs repeated attempts to assert herself. This starts right away when Nora and Torvald are discussing NoraÕs Christmas shopping and Nora says, ÒOh, but Torvald, this year we really should let ourselves go a bitÓ (1569). This is her way of trying to get her opinions heard. Her conversation with Mrs. Linde offered many chances for her to voice her opinion, as Kristine was intent on belittling her. When Kristine tells her that she is acting like a child, Nora replies by saying, ÒYou donÕt have to act so superiorÉyouÕre just like all the others. You all think IÕm incapable of anything serious-Ò (1575). Nora then says, ÒYou look down on me so, Kristine, but you shouldnÕtÓ (1575). ItÕs clear by these statements and ones that come later that Nora is beginning to get fed up. It is at these moments that she truly comes into her own.

It is here that she has accepted her fate. She knows that this is a now or never situation, and that it may not turn out like she hopes. But through the playÕs events, she has realized her strength and has confidence in her ability to succeed.

Some topics in this essay:
Kristine Helmer, Papa YouÕre, NoraÕs Christmas, Kristine Nora, Doll HouseÃ, Henrik Ibsen, Nora Helmer, Krogstad Nora, Rank Nora, Helmer NoraÕs, doll houseÃ, Ãa doll houseÃ, Ãa doll, throughout play, nora replies, nora helmer, Ãnora nora, feelings intelligence, helmer receives, faced choices, dr rank,