Noras Child-like Nature in A Dolls House Essay - 1162 Words

From the title alone, Henrik Ibsen’s, A Doll’s House, carries an adolescent connotation, with dolls holding immediate association with young girls and youth. In this controversial playwright, Ibsen portrays his Danish protagonist as an ignorant juvenile. Set in Copenhagen, Denmark, during the 1880’s, Nora’s childlike character suggests what the lifestyle of many women during that time may have been. Ibsen reveals Nora’s innate, childlike nature incorporating strategic set placement and direction, significant symbols, an array of revealing dialogue, and elaborate description, healthy in detail. Ibsen creates a setting that traps Nora in domestic comfort. The play opens with a description of the setting, detailing it as â€Å"A room furnished†¦show more content†¦Making use of the word â€Å"little† again revealing how he views his wife; â€Å"my† is also a frequent word in Torvald’s vocabulary. Torvald’s possessive nature prompts him to call Nora his no matter what pet-name he uses. The pattern of these possessive, diminutive pet-names such as â€Å"my little featherbrain† (3) reflect Torvald’s belief that Nora is another child of his, so much so that he actually refers to Nora specifically as a child on more than one occasion. Telling Nora that she talks like a child (3) and suggesting that â€Å"the child shall have her way† (2) further displays his feelings toward Nora. Just as an adult does not discuss their business with an adolescent, so does Torvald not have important conversations with Nora. Nora even notifi es Torvald that during the last scene was the â€Å"first (they) have had a serious conversation†(3). Torvald even groups Nora with his other children demanding that â€Å"lesson time shall begin . . . both (hers) and the children’s† (3). Torvald believes that he both owns and fathers Nora, vocalizing that â€Å"if a man made her (his wife), he has given her a new life, and she has in a way become both wife and child to him† (3). Going on, Torvald questions Nora, asking her, â€Å"Why shouldn’t I look at my dearest treasure, at all of the beauty that is mine, my very own?†(3). Financially stifling Nora and placing her in positions where he can act as her savior, or father, boosts Torvald’s self-esteemShow MoreRelatedA Doll s House By Henrik Ibsen1288 Words   |  6 Pages Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House is based in the Victorian society of the 19th century. It assesses the many struggles and hardships that women faced because of marriage â€Å"laws† that were crucial during that time period. The society was male- dominated with no equality. Nora is the protagonist in A Doll’s House and the wife of a man named Torvald. This play is about Nora’s voyage to recognizing her self- determination and independence. 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