In 1850, Ibsen applied to medical school, but failed his exams. Instead, he was appointed “stage poet” of a local theater. After writing four plays, the theater sent him on a study tour of Denmark and Germany in 1852. Ibsen traveled Europe from 1864 to 1891, writing his most important plays while abroad. It was during this time that he wrote A Doll House in 1879, which would eventually earn him the title of “father of modern drama,” (Cassady 257)

A Doll House, by Henrik Ibsen was published on December 4, 1879, and was first performed in Copenhagen on December 21, 1879. Ibsen’s work was considered a publishing event and the play's initial printing of 8,000 copies quickly sold out. The play was so controversial that Ibsen was forced to write a second ending that he called "a barbaric outrage" to be used only when necessary. The controversy ce

On the rare occasion when Torvald gives Nora some money, he is concerned that she will spend it on candy and pastry. In general, Nora’s duties are restricted to playing with the children, doing housework, and working on her needlepoint. Her biggest and most important obligation is to Torvald, making her role similar to that of a slave. Torvald talks down to Nora saying things like: “…worries that you couldn’t possible help me with”, “Nora, Nora, just like a woman”, and “Mayn’t I look at my dearest treasure? At all the beauty that belongs to no one but me—that’s my very own?” as if she is considered his property. Nora finally realize that she has been treated like a child all her life, and had the right to think and act the way she wishes taken away from her all her life.

This play is definitely a unique story written by a very intelligent, complicated writer. He may have written the play in a manner that would lead every reader to draw his or her own conclusions. He has us to find our own interpretation of the play in context with our personal lives and experiences with the opposite sex. The theme may be interpreted by many as a study of the moral laws that men and women are required to follow by nature. It may be based on gender that determines the role of women in society. During the time in which the play took place, society frowned upon women asserting themselves. Women would be expected to play a role in supporting their husbands, taking care of the children, and have the house in perfect order.

In Act I, there are many clues that hint at the kind of marriage Nora and Torvald have. It seems that Nora is like a doll being controlled by Torvald. She relies on him for everything, from her movements to her own thoughts, like a puppet that must have its puppet master in order for all of its actions. Torvald feels that he must re-teach Nora how to dance the tarantella. Nora of course pretends that she needs him to teach her every move to relearn the dance. This is actually an act and proves her willingness to her husband.

In the Victorian Age it was not only unheard of to walk out on your loved ones but unethical as well. There are many incidents that inch by inch help Nora come to the co

Some topics in this essay:
Torvald Nora, Doll House, Copenhagen December, Norway Ibsen’s, Victorian Age, Torvald Leave, Doll's House, Characters Victorian, Christine Linde, Denmark Germany, doll house, women's rights, torvald nora, ibsen 1534, treated child life, house 1879, facing women, issues facing, women society, cassady 257, child life,