A Doll’s House

Henrik Ibsen

Ibsen

Norwegian Playwright 1829-1906 Modernist – “father of realism” Free inquiry into social morality

- not strictly feminist! Influences – Shaw, Miller, Wilde,

O’Neill, and Joyce“a profound poetic dramatist – the best

since Shakespeare”

Characters Nora Helmer

Main characterNever lived alone, going immediately from her

father’s house to her husband’s house.Depicted as inexperienced, sheltered, impulsive,

and materialistic. Are these mere masks? Is Nora forced to present a façade due to the

patriarchal oppression she faces? How does she dynamically change due to

events?

Torvald HelmerEight years Nora’s husband.Barrister who won’t take unsavory cases.Promoted to bank manager – middle-class

Avoids relationships in general1. What proof can you note of this propensity?

Concerned with morality2. What proof can you note of this attitude?3. What words first come to mind in describing

his character?4. How do his pet names for Nora denigrate

her?

Dr. RankFriend and a physician.Embodies and subverts the theatrical role

of the male moral force traditionally presented in plays of the era.

Rather than a paternal, moral force presents as a corrupt force both physically and morally.

What are his personal attributes of corruption as depicted by Ibsen?

Mrs. Christine LindeOld schoolmate of Nora’sTen years have passed since their last

meeting.Three years a widow.Pressed for money following her husband

and mother’s deaths.1. How does she impose on Nora?2. What is divulged concerning her past?3. How does she represent a foil for Nora?

Nils KrogstadBlackmails Nora

1. How does his past parallel Nora’s current situation?

2. What forces push him to blackmail Nora?

3. Is his character dynamic? Why or why not?

Minor Characters Ivar, Bob, and Emmy

Nora and Torvald’s childrenWhat part do they play? Anne

Family Nurse 1. What is her background? 2. Is it part of the social commentary?

Why or why not?

The play’s action centers on the development and the alterations of the relationships among Nora, Helmer, Krogstad, and Mrs. Linde.

How do their relationships illuminate their personalities and dictate their actions?

How do they emphasize the themes and social comments of the play?

Nora is a woman who places moral principles above legal values.

What consequence does this viewpoint have on her in terms of the play’s plot?

What reactions must she deal with from the other characters?

How does she view herself compared to how other characters view her?

Discuss the play’s unraveling and philosophical ending.

What makes it successful? What final effect remains with the

audience? What lines from the last Act have

literal and symbolic meaning?

Analyze the following quote:

“You should have let it alone; you must prevent nothing. After all, it is splendid to be waiting for a wonderful thing to happen” (54; sc. 2).

“Two on the same piece of wreckage would stand a better chance than each on their own” (56; sc. 3).

“I have been performing tricks for you, Torvald. That’s how I’ve survived. You wanted it like that. You and Papa have done me a great wrong. It’s because of you I’ve made nothing of my life” (68; sc. 3).

“I would gladly work night and day for you, Nora – bear sorrow and want for your sake. But no man would sacrifice his honour for the one he loves” (71; sc. 3).