Further introductory notes Doll’s House 2 Further introductory notes Jonathan Peel JLS 2016

IBSEN’S THEATRE A new departure in Norway towards Naturalism and Symbolism In a very conservative country this is revolutionary Shifts drama away from stylised entertainment and towards a drama which can criticise contemporary society – Ibsen’s plays from 1870 onwards reflect this He has travelled in Europe by this time and has had the chance to see a much wider palette of dramatic production. Doll’s House: 1879. Jonathan Peel JLS 2016

Criticism Paternalism Shown in the attitude of husbands towards wives NO Equal rights in law regarding money or status No expectation to work – just to marry and breed Unable to enter into legal contracts in own right Property of the husband Protection provided by husband Jonathan Peel JLS 2016

Nora and Paternalism Before the play has entered into a contract with a money lender Has forged her father’s signature – a crime Is being blackmailed as a result Is hiding all this from her husband Behaved in this way out of love, with a disregard for “right”. How much did she know? Jonathan Peel JLS 2016

Nora’s strength Often regarded solely through the prism of Torvald’s diminutive epithets – squirrel, songbird… Seen as weak when contrasted with Linde in Act 1 BUT Has had the strength and resourcefulness to find a money lender Has arranged the loan and is making payments Has had to take work of a kind Honest to a sense of self at the end…. Jonathan Peel JLS 2016

A tragic character? Ibsen called this play a “modern tragedy” MUST be considered in the light of 19C morals and behaviours WHOSE TRAGEDY? Torvald: Hubris leads to eventual downfall Nora: At end is alone in a hostile world; has no guardian husband; is utterly unprepared for this life. What is her character trait which has brought the inevitable tragedy on? Jonathan Peel JLS 2016

NATURALISM/SYMBOLISM Opening Stage Direction seems very naturalistic but so much is there in the symbols Jonathan Peel JLS 2016

Look behind the natural (SCENE. A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not extravagantly. At the back, a door to the right leads to the entrance-hall, another to the left leads to Helmer's study. Between the doors stands a piano. In the middle of the left-hand wall is a door, and beyond it a window. Near the window are a round table, armchairs and a small sofa. In the right-hand wall, at the farther end, another door; and on the same side, nearer the footlights, a stove, two easy chairs and a rocking-chair; between the stove and the door, a small table. Engravings on the wall; a cabinet with china and other small objects; a small book-case with well-bound books. The floors are carpeted, and a fire burns in the stove. It is winter. _A bell rings in the hall; shortly afterwards the door is heard to open. Enter NORA, humming a tune and in high spirits. She is in out-door dress and carries a number of parcels; these she lays on the table to the right. She leaves the outer door open after her, and through it is seen a_ PORTER who is carrying a Christmas Tree and a basket, which he gives to the MAID who has opened the door.) Jonathan Peel JLS 2016

Symbols: As a start, consider the possible significance of the following: Doors Window Stove New year Tarantella and masquerade Xmas tree Study Clothing and changes Jonathan Peel JLS 2016