Themes In A Doll's House By Henrik Ibsen

A Doll’s House, a screenplay written by Henrik Ibsen during the 19th century showcases Nora a wife who is living, as any other woman, in an oppressed era for woman. A time when men ruled and women were docile obeying their husbands and fathers implicitly. Nora’s life is staged into itself. According to Ibsen’s play, there are little secrets that are told not only to ourselves but to those around us. Therefore, the ability to understand the changes as secrets unfold and the manipulation of lies told, take on new meaning. In a world where so much is based on a man’s worth and word, every day is a test. Ibsen’s spotlight on everyday matters gives way to a test of fortitude; marriage, love, life and how the couple between them performs this

Her long lost friend Mrs. Linde, a meek widow, mirrors what Nora’s future could be. Mrs. Linde brings an understanding to Nora and what pain may follow when truth is withheld. Again, Ibsen is showing his left hand while the right is sneaking up to reveal something different. While the two women are getting reacquainted and exchanging stories, Nora convey how happy she is that Torvald, newly hired as a barrister, will have a big salary with tons of commissions which she equates to “heaps and heaps of money.” (Act? ?) Mrs. Linde opens the second insight into Nora, how the audience comes to understand, who she is; how one lie leads to another and another. The payment for the trip to Italy and Torvald’s health, was the first of many lies; leaving Mrs. Linde believing she borrowed the money from another man. Although she told her husband, her father gave them the money; to Nora, it was a wonderful secret. Meanwhile the introduction of Dr. Rank, a rich and dying friend, which in Mrs. Linde’s mind could possibly be the man whom with Nora had a sorted affair and in return, money crossed hands. Every day Dr. Rank comes for a visit, first to see Nora and then her husband; lingering with Nora, eminently longer than is considered proper at the time. At this time Ibsen leaves one to wonder is there, or has there ever been, something between Nora and the Doctor. Again Nora is forced to see herself

?) Little did Torvald know while speaking, those words, the true meaning was yet to be seen. Ibsen hints, not so invisible anymore, double meanings and a mystery within the enigma. Expectation of certain behaviors of women during this era left few choices for them; upheaval was not tolerated and possessing individuality, isolated from their husband left them with little action. This is best communicated when Nora and Torvald, sit as equals, having their first real conversation. Her secrets, the ones she told others, left Ibsen audience to believe this was the story. In reality Nora’s true lies, lays in those she kept telling