Be a Scholar: A Doll’s House By Ailina Heng

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 Information The 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

Themes Role of Women Appearance vs. Reality Morality 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 reputation Morality Society’s morality versus true morality Ex: Nora forging her husband’s signature

Motifs Letters  reveal secrets Money  demonstrates power Ex: Nora borrowing loan Money  demonstrates power Torvald gaining a job with money Inheritance  science and values Dr. Rank and tuberculosis Nora and Torvald and their children

Significant Characters Nora Helmer  Protagonist Torvald Helmer  Partly antagonistic Krogstad  Antagonist Christine Linde  Confidante Dr. 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

Symbolism Holidays  Christmas and New Year’s Christmas Tree 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

Conflicts Man vs. Man Man vs. Society Man vs. Self Nora vs. Krogstad Krogstad vs. Torvald Torvald vs. Nora Man vs. Society Nora vs. Woman’s Role in Society Man vs. Self Nora vs. Inner self