A Doll Discerned
“I have to stand completely on my own, if I’m going to understand myself and everything around me. That’s why I can’t stay here with you any longer.” This quote from “A Doll’s House” gives readers a glimpse into Henrik Ibsen’s brilliant blend of complexity and irony in his two main characters. Though Nora and Torvald seem to be a typical, well-off, and devoted couple at first glance, deep into the play Nora discovers that she does not know who she is or what her life’s purpose is anymore.
The complexity in Nora’s life is comically ironic. At a superficial glance, Nora lives a perfect life. Her husband and three children are sublime and with her husband’s newly earned prestigious position at the bank, the family’s future is …show more content…
He is a hardworking man and an affectionate husband. The audience’s first suspicion of conflict arises as Torvald greets Nora, calling her “twittering lark,” “little squirrel,” and “little feather-brain.” Each name is harmless until the truth of the way Torvald views Nora becomes apparent. He truly treats Nora as if she were a doll to be played with, but not understood or respected. Though Nora does act childish at times, the demeaning way Torvald treats her only exacerbates her ways. Torvald seems a kind, affectionate husband, but as the audience listens, they learn that Torvald treats Nora as a doll to be played with and not as a valued wife.
Nora’s dramatic irony displays her complicated feelings toward her life. Even though she lies frequently to Torvald, Nora views herself as a kind and loving wife. She constantly nags her husband for money without a thought and spends her days shopping and decorating crafts for her children. Previously when Torvald fell deathly ill, Nora took out a loan illegally to pay for a seaside respite to help Torvald recover. She saved Torvald, but lives in fear of the lender until she finally confesses to …show more content…
The final conversation brings clarity to the characters. Nora realizes she has not been an honest fulfilling relationship and that she does not truly know how to live as an adult independently. Viewing this as a challenge she leaves Torvald to start her own life. Torvald is left confused and in shock. He viewed their as fun, not connecting deeply with Nora just enjoying the feeling of being needed by her. The precise mix of irony and complexity brings the characters to life in a relatable way, giving the audience much to on which to
“I have to stand completely on my own, if I’m going to understand myself and everything around me. That’s why I can’t stay here with you any longer.” This quote from “A Doll’s House” gives readers a glimpse into Henrik Ibsen’s brilliant blend of complexity and irony in his two main characters. Though Nora and Torvald seem to be a typical, well-off, and devoted couple at first glance, deep into the play Nora discovers that she does not know who she is or what her life’s purpose is anymore.
The complexity in Nora’s life is comically ironic. At a superficial glance, Nora lives a perfect life. Her husband and three children are sublime and with her husband’s newly earned prestigious position at the bank, the family’s future is …show more content…
He is a hardworking man and an affectionate husband. The audience’s first suspicion of conflict arises as Torvald greets Nora, calling her “twittering lark,” “little squirrel,” and “little feather-brain.” Each name is harmless until the truth of the way Torvald views Nora becomes apparent. He truly treats Nora as if she were a doll to be played with, but not understood or respected. Though Nora does act childish at times, the demeaning way Torvald treats her only exacerbates her ways. Torvald seems a kind, affectionate husband, but as the audience listens, they learn that Torvald treats Nora as a doll to be played with and not as a valued wife.
Nora’s dramatic irony displays her complicated feelings toward her life. Even though she lies frequently to Torvald, Nora views herself as a kind and loving wife. She constantly nags her husband for money without a thought and spends her days shopping and decorating crafts for her children. Previously when Torvald fell deathly ill, Nora took out a loan illegally to pay for a seaside respite to help Torvald recover. She saved Torvald, but lives in fear of the lender until she finally confesses to …show more content…
The final conversation brings clarity to the characters. Nora realizes she has not been an honest fulfilling relationship and that she does not truly know how to live as an adult independently. Viewing this as a challenge she leaves Torvald to start her own life. Torvald is left confused and in shock. He viewed their as fun, not connecting deeply with Nora just enjoying the feeling of being needed by her. The precise mix of irony and complexity brings the characters to life in a relatable way, giving the audience much to on which to