A Doll House By Henrik Ibsen

Imagine a life without any freedom, rights, or say. Imagine women being treated as only objects or pets to the man they supposedly love. Imagine them having to be played around as a puppet and obey commands like a dog. Women were looked at as having no other significance than only being around for household chores, entertainment, and pleasure. As hard as it is to imagine women being thought of so demeaningly, in the 19th century, this was the image of an ideal woman specifically in Norway. In A Doll House written by Henrik Ibsen, women’s rights are advocated and restrictions are emphasized. Although Ibsen considered himself a humanist, his play prominently portrays his voice for feminism. In A Doll House, symbolism is portrayed and transformed

Through the reconstructed elements, Ibsen concludes this Act by having all the elements convey the same message of Nora’s freedom. In this Act, Nora realizes her self worth and how she has been locked up her whole life; she matures to the point where she can free herself from the doll house, and she does so. Nora had thought about leaving the house, but that was in the event of Torvald reading the letter and losing any respect he had for her. Torvald does find the letter, but when the matter is resolved, he changed his whole perspective, trying to take back all he said, but Nora does not fall for it. When Torvald explains to Nora how he has forgiven her, she answers back very blunt; “my thanks for your forgiveness. (She goes out through the door)”(3.107). Through Torvald’s initial reaction upon reading the letter, it allows Nora to understand all Torvald cared about was his image. He had no thoughts about how Nora risked her life to save his until after he was assure his image was safe. Nora realizes her freedom is worth more than being a married woman, in love, and even treated unequal. She is able to live a free lifestyle, as opposed to Torvald’s accessory. Being Torvald’s accessory in the doll house, Nora plays as his showpiece and most prized possession. She cries to Torvald, “I have been your doll-wife here”(3. 110). The term doll symbolizes how Nora has been treated like a pretty face and puppet on strings her whole life. Torvald went from subtly calling her his object to having Nora admit herself that she is a doll, mostly importantly, his doll. She is done living up to the standard of the ideal woman and ready to live life her way. After Nora’s realization, the shawl that she has had covering her up is removed, just as her chains attached to Torvald are broken. As she leaves, she “ties her hat on” and “throws her shawl” (3.113). This costume of a shawl represents Nora’s