Nora's steps to becoming an independent woman

Independence is an important trait sought from many. Influential groups within countries have waged wars in quest of their own independence. Women’s struggle for independent rights has been seen throughout all of history. However, with enough courage, an individual can fight for their own independence. This courage to fight for one’s own independence can be seen in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. In this play

Nora, the protagonist, constantly struggles to express herself and rebels against her husband in discreet ways. Although, these defiant actions at first make Nora appear immature and unintelligent, as the play progresses she develops into an independent woman. The decisions to commit forgery, plead on Mr. Krogstad’s behalf, and finally leave her home are the three beginning steps Nora takes in order to achieve independent womanhood.

Nora’s first step towards becoming an independent woman begins when she is bound to forage her father’s name in order to save her dyeing husband. Nora’s husband, Torvald Helmer, is in a critical condition, and the doctor’s only prescription is to head south for a period of time. With Torvald’s condition, Nora’s only alternative in order to fund the trip south, is to obtain a loan. However, Torvald’s pride as the head of the house would deny Nora the ability to obtain the loan, even if his life depended on it, as is the situation. Therefore, Nora can only seek help from her father. Her father is on his death bed, and terrible news such as Torvald’s critical condition would surely push him over the edge. As a result, Nora forges her father’s name on the loan contract, which she obtains from Mr. Krogstad. Although this act is against the law, Nora took the decision in order to save her husband. She j...

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...nd educate myself--you are not the man to help me in that. I must do that for myself.” (Ibsen act 3). If Nora does not leave she will never know her true potential and that is exactly why leaving is her best option. This act not only proves her independence, but it is Nora’s first decision as an independent woman.

Through taking the decisions to commit forgery, plead on Mr. Krogstad’s behalf, and leave her home, Nora’s steps to becoming an independent woman can be seen. Although Nora had internal struggles, and disagreements with her husband on the way to become the independent woman she wished to be, in the end she did reach that goal. She finally became ready to mature and educate herself.

Works Cited

Ibsen, Henrik. “A Doll’s House.” The Norton Introduction to Literature. Spencer Richardson-Jones. 11th ed. New York: W.W Norton & Company, 2013.1447-1496.Print