Be a Scholar: A Doll’s House By Ailina Heng
Dec 27, 2015
Henrik Ibsen Born March 20, 1828 in Skien, Norway
◦ Father was a merchant; mother was an artist◦ Poverty struck family farm life Ibsen discovered more
about literature Age 15, Ibsen went to work in an apothecary
◦ Wrote Catilina, first play Late 1850, met Ole Bull Norwegian Theatre in
Bergen In 1868, Ibsen went to Germany and saw first social
drama which inspired A Doll’s House After exiled from Norway, most of his work became
popular Returned to Norway as a literary hero
◦ Died on May 23, 1906
Historical InformationThe role of women began
to rise.◦1882 Married Women’s
Property Act◦Education Act
Charles Darwin published, “The Descent Man”
Oxford began allowing female students into the university
ThemesRole of Women
◦ Self-sacrificial Nora sacrifices children in order to find her true identity
◦ Not allowed to handle money, conduct business within society, get educated, isolated in marriages
Appearance vs. Reality◦ The appearance of characters do not
match the realities of who they are.◦ Ex: Torvald appears loving and caring but
is selfish and cares more for reputationMorality
◦ Society’s morality versus true morality◦ Ex: Nora forging her husband’s signature
MotifsLetters reveal secrets
◦Ex: Nora borrowing loanMoney demonstrates
power◦Torvald gaining a job with
moneyInheritance science and
values◦Dr. Rank and tuberculosis◦Nora and Torvald and their
children
Significant CharactersNora Helmer ProtagonistTorvald Helmer Partly
antagonistic Krogstad AntagonistChristine Linde ConfidanteDr. Rank portrays themes
Style
Realism◦Definition: a manner of treating subject
matter that presents a careful description of everyday life, usually of the lower and middle classes
◦ Characterizes colloquial, everyday speech◦Realism vs. Naturalism Realism provides
some unrealistic events Ex: door bell ringing at the perfect time, people
entering and exiting when necessary
SymbolismHolidays Christmas and New
Year’s◦Symbolizes rebirth and renewal◦Ex: Nora realizing to find her identity,
Krogstad developing into a generous character
Christmas Tree◦Symbolizes Nora as a character◦Nora is ornamental as the Christmas
tree◦Act Two demonstrates a burnt down
tree