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Role of women in the 19th century
Women independent doll house
Role of women in the 19th century
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The roles of women have changed substantially throughout time. During the 19th century, it was normal for a man to dominantly rule his household. Ibsen wrote the play, A Doll House, in hopes of demonstrating and criticizing the marital roles of his century. It is clear Ibsen believed in a world that is equal. In this play, Ibsen created characters that struggled to escape these impractical expectations. Ibsen’s play, A Doll House, is a symbol of his view towards feminism during the 1800s and shows the effects caused by such a problem; evidence of this can be found in the similarities of his characters to the average woman of this time period, the theme of his play, and how these characters relate to women of today’s time. The protagonist …show more content…
During the 19th century men seemed to rule the world, they controlled the businesses, the money, and their wives. Although Nora is one of the more economically advantaged women of this story, she is still expected to live up to society 's high expectations. This role includes being controlled by her counterpart. Another example of this theme is shown through Nora’s nanny. The nanny gives up her own child to take care of someone else 's. She even considers herself lucky to have this low paying job. The nanny explains, “A girl who’s poor and who’s gotten in trouble is glad enough for that.”(II.1468) Linde, a friend of Nora’s, was once in love with Krogstad but was forced to leave him behind in order to marry a wealthier man so she could provide for her family. Nora sacrifices her children at the end of the story to obtain her own identity, Linde sacrifices the love of her life to offer her family a better one, and the nanny gives up her own child to take care of someone else …show more content…
Lee remarks, “The play set off a firestorm of controversy” (620). When this play was published many felt as if it was too controversial and improper. He was even forced to portray an alternative ending in which Nora did not leave her family. Nowadays, the most memorable scene is the slamming of the door. “Its depiction of a new, modern brand of human relationship promised exciting changes, while simultaneously causing deep anxiety about its lasting impact on women and family.” (Choi 60) This play changed the idea of a modern woman for a new generation. The conflict of this play was caused by Nora forging her father 's signature in order to receive a loan. In today’s time, it is normal for a woman to take out a loan. Perhaps even, if this play was set in the 21st century the characters of this story would not be in this predicament. Linde is a single woman in this story, but this does not give her much of an advantage. She is poor and because she is a female, she is only able to obtain a low paying job such as a teacher or a waitress. Single women of today’s time can hold a good income and are able to raise a family. In this story marriage is some sort of trap, something that does not hold any benefits but is rather a social stamp. Divorce is more of a social norm now, people are much more accepting. The nanny in this story considers herself lucky to have
In “A Dollhouse,” Nora is stuck in a marriage with a rich man who has no respect for her. Nora’s husband Torvald, does not think his
During the Victorian era, in which this play was written, women were predestined to the role of being mothers and wives, nothing more and nothing less. It was believed religiously by society that it was God’s will for women to have these roles, which were unarguable. Women were only allowed to hold a small role represented by feminine qualities. By law, a woman was the property of her father, brother, and even her husband. These women thought of marriage as a method of subsistence, yet it provided nothing more than a new home with increasing responsibilities and no real benefits or haven. Any property or money made, regardless of where it came from, belonged to the husband. He was also the absolute guardian of the children. Right at the core of the value system of the Victorian era was the feminine inferiority. You can see how men had absolute guardianship over their children when Torvald reads the first letter from Krogstad where he notifies him that he will damage his reputation because of Nora’s crime. He tells Nora that, “Of course, you will continue to live here. But the children cannot be left in your care. I dare not trust them to you” (Doll act 3). An example of how women were considered property in this era is how Torvald reacted towards Nora when the letter from Krogstad arrives to him notifying him that he pardoned Nora’s crime. Torvald says, “There is...
Linde both broke the stereotypical societal binds that constrained most women than. For Mrs. Linde, breaking from those traditional ideals yielded a much more positive result; she gained a family to care for. Nora, however, had to leave hers. And for good reason; even though to most during the time period, Torvald’s attitude towards Nora was common between husband and wife, she saw it as just being an object for him to show off and have for his own enjoyment. We see this clearly all throughout the course of the play, as Torvald attempts to use terms of endearment in an affectionate manner when talking to Nora, he fails. “Frightened little singing-bird”, “squirrel”, and “skylark” are just a few pet names he uses that make it seem that Torvald sees Nora as helpless, fragile, and downright idiotic. He shows no respect for his wife whatsoever but has the audacity to become outraged when Nora announces she is leaving. Torvald felt like Nora was obligated to take his disrespect because that’s what every other woman did, but thankfully (and surprisingly) Nora had an epiphany, one very little females had (and even if they did, few acted upon it). For her to do such a thing, was groundbreaking, even if she is just a fictional character; she probably spurred on women who were in similar predicaments to confront their oppression.
Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll House examines a woman’s struggle for independence in her marriage and social world. Through the use of character change, Ibsen conveys his theme that by breaking away from all social expectations, we can be true to ourselves. When Ibsen presents Nora Helmer, we see a “perfect” wife, who lives in a “perfect” house with a “perfect” husband and children. The Helmer children have a nanny that raises them. By having the nanny, Nora has the freedom to come and go as she pleases. Torvald Helmer, Nora’s husband, will begin a new job as bank manager, so they will be rich, which will make her “perfect” life even better. Torvald even calls Nora pet names like “my sweet little lark” (Ibsen 1567) and “my squirrel” (Ibsen 1565). These names may seem to be harmless and cute little nicknames, but the names actually show how little he thinks of her. “Torvald uses derogatory diminutives to address Nora” (Kashdan 52). Torvald talks down to her. Nora is “regarded as property rather than a partner” (Drama for Students 112). He isn’t treating her like a real person. In Torvald eyes, she isn’t an equal. “Nora is viewed as an object, a toy, a child, but never an equal” (Drama for Students 109).
...le that Nora expects and the miracle that actually happens are entirely different. Nora dreams of the day that her husband will sympathize with her and cease to be the dominating figure with the "upper hand" in their relationship. She expects him to understand her struggles with the law and to be willing to take some of the blame himself. However, when he reacts to Krogstad's letter by exhibiting more dominance and control than ever before, Nora becomes more aware of her own individual needs as a woman in society. She understands that in order to be free, she must develop her own view of the world, by setting herself apart from the control and determinism that males have over her life. Therefore, Nora's decision to leave her husband and family is ironic because it proves to be the "miracle" she is waiting for, rather than the one she originally expected. Nora becomes a feminist heroine in the play by showing what women can achieve, but rarely attempt. The determinism that many men force on their women partners in society (in forms of control, dominance, and power) restricts the women's ability to strengthen as individuals, and gain their own self-determinism.
During this time period, there was the stereotypical opinion that women should only be homemakers because they do not have the intellectual capacity to do anything more. The struggle for dominance between Torvald and Krogstad also brings to light Nora’s venture to have purpose. Ibsen uses her to comment on society’s gender roles. For the majority of the play, Nora plays her part as the ideal wife well. However, at times she portrays herself as being more than just a trophy wife. Her conflict with Krogstad reveals how innovative and unselfish she actually is. For instance, she does not spend all the allowance money Torvald gives her. In addition to saving a little of her allowance, she also does odd jobs to earn money. She does all of this in secret to pay off the loan to Krogstad. At first, Nora gives off the impression that she is a “spendthrift” and an airhead, but she proves herself to be a woman of perseverance and determination. The men’s struggle for dominance also reveals her marriage’s flaw. Torvald treats her like a doll he needs to take care of and show off to others. He underestimates her ability, similar to how society doubts that women can do more than just sit still and look pretty. His condescending demeanor towards her ultimately allows her to realize that she needs to leave him in order to be truly independent and live up to her potential. Like all women in society eventually realize,
Nora and Elisa were both participants in marriages that Steinbeck and Ibsen depict as oppressed and male-dominated. Both protagonists were placed in marriages that, on the surface, appeared to be true but underneath, Steinbeck and Ibsen gave a totally different message. A marriage is defined as a union between two equals. In the case of these two marriages, the women are anything but equals to their spouses. During the time that these two works were written, women were given a very limited role in a marriage. This role included the woman staying at home, tending to their husband’s needs, and taking care of their children. In A Doll’s House, Nora’s “whole life is a construct of societal norms and the expectations of others” (Wiseman). Throughout the whole play, Nora is controlled by Torvald and never is capable of making her own decisions. She continuously tried to be a “perfect” wife, but instead of being treated like a wife, Torvald treated her like a child, controlling her every move. Torvald was even found “having to restrain Nora with rules, much as a father would have to inhibit a child” when he forbade her from eating macaroons and...
In “A doll`s house” by Henrick Ibsen, we learn from Nora of how women play an integral role in society but due to the limitations society has put on women they find it difficult to reach their full potential . This notion can be seen through the author`s use of conflict and symbolism. The play is packed with symbols that epitomize intellectual ideas and concepts that are effective in illustrating the fact that women are being underappreciated in society.
Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll's House is an astonishing, yet accurate portrayal of how women were treated in the 1800s. It is essentially a force runner to women's rights and sets a path for many more feminist works to come. The novel fiercely challenges the modern idea that all women, by virtue of being women, are inclined towards feminist political interests. The roles of women have been a big part of literature and are usually a representation of how the roles of women in real life have evolved and continue to evolve. A Doll's House is an essential part of IBO specifically for the fact that it shows historical realism in the Victorian Era, and continues to challenge the unrealistic expectations of women in marriage.
Linde brings great happiness to Nora’s life. Nora is able to trust and talk about anything to Mrs. Linde (even secrets such as borrowing money behind your husband’s back). When Nora and Mrs. Linde engage in conversation with each other it is as if Mrs. Linde is the voice of reason for Nora. In one scene, Nora tells Mrs. Linde , “ You’re like everybody else. You all think I’m incapable of doing anything serious…” Again, I feel sorry for her, but at this moment I assumed that maybe Nora is not as naive as I thought. She is able to recognize that people see her as a childish person. In another part of this scene she mentions to Mrs. Linde, ”Torvald has his pride. He’d feel humiliated-hurt even- if he thought he was indebted to me in anyway." Nora is afraid of how humiliated her husband would be if he found out his wife did something that overpowered him. Since Mrs. Linde she believes that it is absurd that Nora would do such thing to her husband. Mrs. Linde recognizes that women do not have the same rights as men, therefore realizing what Nora did for her husband seem to raise a red
Henrik Ibsen paints a sad picture of the sacrificial role of women throughout all social economical classes in his play “A Doll House”. The story is set in the late 19th century and all minor female characters had to overcome adversity to the expense of love, family and self-realization, in order to lead a comfortable life. While the main female protagonist Nora struggles with her increasingly troubled marriage, she soon realizes, she needs to change her life to be happy as the play climaxes. Her journey to self-discovery is achieved by the threat of her past crime and her oppressing husband, Torvald and the society he represents. The minor female characters exemplifying Nora’s ultimate sacrifice.
Henrik Ibsen published A Doll House in 1879, which was a time period of intense debate over women’s rights. Ibsen believed in the equality of people; consequently, the play displays the unjust inequality between men and women during the 19th century. Women were expected to fulfill the roles of a daughter, wife, and mother. However, to conform to the standards of the time women would repeatedly sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of men (Shahbaz). Nora attempted to fulfill the roles society expected of her, but she could not. Henrik Ibsen demonstrated how a woman has a duty to herself first by showing the negative effects of restricting women to the subservient roles of a daughter, wife, and mother in A Doll House.
Through characters such as Nils Krogstad and Torvald Helmer, one sees how those living in this society worried primarily over their social standing and reputation, while through the character of Mrs. Lindie the reader sees how even women fell into the trap of behaving as “dolls”: doing everything that is expected of them while remaining obedient. Though some of these characters may seem cruel, they have a huge impact on Nora’s character and help push her towards the realization that she is not living as she wants to live. Brunnemer says, “There is an evolutionary process whereby the mini-Nora of the opening scenes becomes the super-Nora of the close” (1). In the beginning of the play, Nora is portrayed as an obedient wife who would never stray from her husband’s wishes, and subsequently society’s expectations. By the end of the play, we see her blossom into an individual who wishes to make her own decisions and follow her own path. Brunnemer also says that, “Nora in having her worst fears materialize, is freed from them” (1). This statement summarizes the ultimate push for Nora’s transformation, by mentioning that she does not fully realize her lack of freedom until her husband discovers the forgery. After the situation passes, and her worst fears are brought to light, she realizes that she does not enjoy the life that she
In order to explore the theme of feminism in Henrik Ibsen’s play, A Doll’s House, the following must be considered: the roles men and women are expected to have, what feminism is, the different ways that feminism can be shown in the play, and finally how feminism effects marriage. The roles that men and women are expected to have is a major contributor to the different ways that feminism is shown in the play, as well as how feminism effects marriage. Therefore, there must be a clear understanding as to what these expectations are so that the effects of following or rejecting these roles can be seen. In addition, there has to be knowledge of how following or rejecting these roles influences feminism in this play. Another thing that must be understood in order for there to be a clear viewpoint on what is being analyzed in Ibsen's work is what feminism is.
In "A Doll's House", Ibsen portrays the bleak picture of a role held by women of all economic classes that is sacrificial. The female characters in the play back-up Nora's assertion that even though men are unable to sacrifice their integrity, "hundreds of thousands of woman have." Mrs. Linde found it necessary to abandon Krogstad, her true but poor love, and marry a richer man in order to support her mother and two brothers. The nanny has to abandon her children to support herself by working for Nora. Though Nora is economically advantaged, in comparison to the other female characters, she leads a hard life because society dictates that Torvald be the marriages dominant member. Torvald condescends Nora and inadvertently forces Nora to hide the loan from him. Nora knows that Torvald could never accept the idea that his wife, or any other woman, could aid in saving his life.