Theme Of Women In The Doll's House

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In the 1870’s, women and marriage was viewed differently compare to how it is viewed today. Women were presumed to be fully dependent on their father or their husbands if they are married. They were not allowed to vote, make financial decisions, or even enter into agreement and make legal transactions. Society placed a suffocating standard and expectations which labeled women as incapable. Their prominent duty was to stay home, bear children, and serve their husband. Nora Helmer’s character in the play The Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen represents the life of an upper-middle class married woman in Norway during 1870. The play reflects the real struggle of a woman imprisoned by the society’s expectations and standards. She is a woman who almost …show more content…

Nora becomes overwhelmed and says, “It would be perfectly infamous of you. To think of his learning my secret, which has been my joy and pride...” which strongly suggest that she craves for independence and that taking out the loan without Torvald’s consent gives her the joy of fulfillment and she takes pride in it (ACT 1). This particular act clears any doubts that Nora is fearless and bold. A woman who will sacrifice anything for the perfect life she ought to have. Though she appears nervous and tense about Torvald finding the truth about the loan, she has hope that Torvald will save her from getting in trouble, just like her father would. At least, that is what she believes until the truth comes crashing down on her. Torvald’s abhorrence and disgusts towards Nora brings her to a very sad and life-changing truth that Torvald is never the man that she thought he is. The truth brings Nora into a realization that their marriage is nothing but a life that is founded and maintained by social rules and never by love that she thought. Nora’s frustration of her doll-like life becomes evident. She finds the courage to spill all her frustrations in the way she’s been treated first by her father, then by Torvald. “That is just it; you have never understood me. I have been greatly wronged, Torvald--first by papa and then by you.” (ACT 3) clearly suggests her struggles in letting the men in her life take control of her. While she tries to keep the family’s social standing, she also struggles to compensate her need to feel independent and empowered. She suppressed her want to achieve self-fulfillment thinking that her husband will sacrifice as much as she does for her and the family’s sake. This revelation brings Nora to the biggest

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