H. Ibsen's A Doll's House

Gender is defined as sexual identity, especially in relation to society or culture; the condition of being female or male; sex; females or males considered as a group: expressions used by one gender. Performance is defined as the act of performing a ceremony, play, piece of music, etc.; the execution or accomplishment of work, acts, feats, etc.; a particular action, deed, or proceeding; the act of performing; or the manner in which or the efficiency with which something reacts or fulfils its intended purpose. (Butler, 1997). The theme of gender is a theme that can be seen in any form of performance, be it theatre, music, dance, television, film, etc. The differences of gender can be highlighted by actors and directors in a multitude of manners, some of which we will look at now.

In this scene in particular we see a conflict of genders between the characters of Nora and Krogstad. We see Nora assuring Krogstad that she will repay all her loans by the New Year and asks him to leave her alone. Krogstad implies that he isn’t concerned only about the money; his position at the bank is very important to him. He speaks of a “bad mistake” he committed, which ruined his reputation and made it very difficult for his career to advance. Nora replies that though it would be unpleasant for her husband to find out that she had borrowed from Krogstad, Torvald would pay off the loan, and dealings with Krogstad would be terminated. In addition, Krogstad would lose his job. Krogstad says that Nora has other things to worry about: he has figured out that Nora forged her father’s signature on the promissory note. Krogstad informs Nora that her forgery is a serious offense, similar to the one that sullied his reputation in the first place. Nora dismi...

... middle of paper ...

...e delivered". (Rox, 2010) [Accessed online]

As shown above, there are so many ways that the theme of gender can be highlighted in theatre. Such simple acts like lighting, costume, pitch and tone are often overlooked as actors and directors search desperately for ways to show the difference between characters. Sometimes keeping to the basics is the best way forward.

Works Cited

Butler, J (1997). “Performative Acts and Gender Constitution: An Essay in Phenomenology and Feminist Theory.” Writing on the Body. Ed. Carolyn G. Heilbrun and Nancy K. Miller. New York: Columbia UP, 401-417. Print.

Rox, A (2010). The importance of costumes in theatre. Web. http://aleccarox.blogspot.ie/2010/02/importance-of-costumes-in-theatre.html [Accessed online] 28th Mar 2014.

Extracts taken from;

Ibsen, H (1879) A Doll’s House. Great Britain: Drama Classics. Published 1994. Page 32.