Societies gender roles have changed dramatically over the centuries. A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, a contrast can be made between women of that era and the women of the 21st century. Women were subsidiary to their husbands. The role of the women was to care for the husband and children. Women were also expected to adhere to societal expectations. Nora, the main character and wife in the play, deviated from society’s expectations. This essay will explore the contrast of women of Nora’s time and women today.
Today, women are more likely to voice concern about the marriage and finances, commonly a joint effort. In the early 1900’s men were the only ones able to make financial decisions and ultimately ran the household. A woman was less likely …show more content…
Nora left from her father’s house to her husband’s house. She was doing as she was told and played the part as a mother, her husband also provided a nanny for the children. Nora’s husband Torvald called her his little “Skylark” or “squirrel” (Ibsen, 2008, Act 1). These terms are belittling and at the least a subservient term. Referring to Nora as forager or a pest in an endearing manner. Torvald dictated how much money she could have, what she did and even what she wore. Nora did not appear to feel belittled, instead she would offer things to her husband, such as singing and twirling. It appears she would offer him entertainment if he agreed to her desires. Today a woman is more likely to expect her husband to give her what she desires, as she is also contributing to the household. Women today may be fully capable of obtaining items without asking for financial assistance or permission. Although there are still women today that depend on their husbands for all their needs. The reasoning may be cultural, generational, religious or economic. The ingrained belief that a husband provides for the family is still part of gender role …show more content…
A woman was not allowed to deal in the finances of the home. A person’s status was important, doing anything that was unacceptable could have a negative effect on the status of the family. In A Doll’s House play, Nora had to make financial choices for the health of her husband. She knowingly forged a document to get a loan. This action jeopardized her husband status at the bank and in the community. In that time, this type of act could be punishable by jail, mental institution or her children been removed from her care. Nora may have not fully known about the consciences of her actions. She had lived a shelled life, from her father’s house to her husband’s house. Mrs. Linde (Nora’s friend) implied that Nora had no real responsibilities, stating, “My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing! You are a child Nora.” (Ibsen, 2008, Act 1) In this way gender roles have progressed. Women have the same opportunity and financial responsibility as a
Today, women are more likely to voice concern about the marriage and finances, commonly a joint effort. In the early 1900’s men were the only ones able to make financial decisions and ultimately ran the household. A woman was less likely …show more content…
Nora left from her father’s house to her husband’s house. She was doing as she was told and played the part as a mother, her husband also provided a nanny for the children. Nora’s husband Torvald called her his little “Skylark” or “squirrel” (Ibsen, 2008, Act 1). These terms are belittling and at the least a subservient term. Referring to Nora as forager or a pest in an endearing manner. Torvald dictated how much money she could have, what she did and even what she wore. Nora did not appear to feel belittled, instead she would offer things to her husband, such as singing and twirling. It appears she would offer him entertainment if he agreed to her desires. Today a woman is more likely to expect her husband to give her what she desires, as she is also contributing to the household. Women today may be fully capable of obtaining items without asking for financial assistance or permission. Although there are still women today that depend on their husbands for all their needs. The reasoning may be cultural, generational, religious or economic. The ingrained belief that a husband provides for the family is still part of gender role …show more content…
A woman was not allowed to deal in the finances of the home. A person’s status was important, doing anything that was unacceptable could have a negative effect on the status of the family. In A Doll’s House play, Nora had to make financial choices for the health of her husband. She knowingly forged a document to get a loan. This action jeopardized her husband status at the bank and in the community. In that time, this type of act could be punishable by jail, mental institution or her children been removed from her care. Nora may have not fully known about the consciences of her actions. She had lived a shelled life, from her father’s house to her husband’s house. Mrs. Linde (Nora’s friend) implied that Nora had no real responsibilities, stating, “My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing! You are a child Nora.” (Ibsen, 2008, Act 1) In this way gender roles have progressed. Women have the same opportunity and financial responsibility as a