1. A Doll’s House
By Henrik Ibsen

2. Historical and Social Context
A Doll’s House was published in Norway on December 4th, 1879.
The first stage production was in Copenhagen on December 21st, 1879.
The play caused an immediate sensation, sparked debate and controversy, and brought Ibsen international fame.
Performing the play was considered a revolutionary action, a daring defiance of cultural norms of Victorian Europe ( ).

3. Historical and Social Context
“Bourgeois Respectability”
Picture: Woman in formal gown, c – Grands Magasins Pygmalion, Summer Catalog 1879
Ideals: Financial Success, upward social mobility, freedom from financial debt and moral guilt, and a stable, secure family organized along traditional patriarchal lines.

4. Historical and Social Context
Patriarchal ideals were supported and reinforced by a social structure in which women had little overt political or economic power. They were economically, socially, and psychologically dependent upon men and especially dependent upon the institutions of marriage and motherhood.
Picture: Mother and Two Children by Mary Cassatt

5. Historical and Social Context
Gender and marriage: Women’s roles and duties
Motherhood within marriage was considered a woman’s highest possible achievement. It was a social responsibility, a duty to the state, and thus, a full-time job. Mothering was no longer something that came naturally, but was something that had to be learned, and taught by men. High infant mortality rates, particularly in urban areas, were unilaterally blamed on mothers. Working class mothers were labeled neglectful, when in truth they struggled with both child care and feeding a family.
A Victorian mother, pushing a pram

6. Historical and Social Context
Gender and marriage: Women’s roles and duties
The idea of self-realization, liberation and suffrage for women was a great threat to the patriarchal order and culture. Women were supposed to selflessly serve husband and family.
BUT, the Victorian Era was also a time of social and political revolution. Ibsen believed that, above all else, all people deserve liberation of self and self-realization. A true notion of marriage would involve equal partners who support each other’s self-actualization.
A Victorian mother, pushing a pram

7. Historical and Social Context
Ibsen challenges Bourgeios notions of marriage
Helmer: So you’ll run out like this on your most sacred duties?
Nora: What do you think are my most sacred duties?
Helmer: And I have to tell you that! Aren’t they your duties to your husband and children?
Nora: I have other duties equally sacred.
Helmer: That isn’t true. What duties are they?
Nora: Duties to myself.
Helmer: Before all else, you’re a wife and a mother.
Nora: I don’t believe that anymore. I believe that, before all else, I’m a human being, no less that you—anyway I ought to try to become one.
A Victorian mother, pushing a pram

8. Historical and Social Context
Marriage
Focused on social and economic status rather than love.
Very patriarchal. Men were considered superior in intellect, moral virtue, and emotional strength, and they held the power in the marriage.
Men considered it their duty to instruct their wife in how to carry out her womanly motherly duties
Victorian bride and groom, 1895

9. Historical and Social Context
Rigid morality and hypocrisy
Social and moral codes were strict and rigid, and and full of double standards.
Men could get away with violating the patriarchal moral codes (for instance, prostitution thrived), but women rarely did.
Led to lots of moral hypocrisy. And no matter what was really happening in a marriage or family, the important thing was to maintain appearances.
Divorce existed but was rare and scandalous. For women, divorce meant almost certain financial and social ruin.
Drawing titled “Fallen Women.” Notice the moral judgement is not extended to the men.

10. A Doll’s House
Et Dukkehjem (A Doll’s House, 1879) is considered a masterpiece of realist theatre.
The plot concerns the collapse of a middle class marriage.
Sparked debates about women’s rights and divorce.
Considered innovative and daring because of its focus on psychological tension instead of external action.
Det Kongelige Teater in Copenhagen where the play was first performed in December of 1879.
Created a new acting style that required emotion be conveyed through small, controlled gestures, shifts in action, and pauses.
Groundbreaking in that it caused drama to be viewed as social commentary and not merely entertainment.

11. A Doll’s House Critics and Ibsen
Critics considered him to be amoral and accused him of encouraging amoral behavior and portraying unwomanly women.
Was accused of being iconoclastic in that they thought that he sought to overthrow traditional ideas and institutions.
Widely criticized for the character of Nora as immoral.
Critics and viewers alike hated the fact that Ibsen offers no real solution to Nora’s dilemma. The characters are complex, the outcome ambiguous—as in real life.