Hedda and Nora: Demands of Freedom If one lacks freedoms, their psychological states and behaviors are compromised.
The demands of freedom are manifested in the mental and emotional behaviors of both Nora Helmer, in A Doll’s House, and Hedda Gabler, in Hedda Gabler. Both hold onto their comfortable, monotonous lives until they are compelled to take drastic measures, searching for ultimate control. The final actions of Hedda and Nora shed light on the extreme consequences of lack of freedom.
Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler and A Doll’s House were written during the nineteenth century. This period was characterized by shocking treatment of women and lower social classes. Second-class citizens, women were oppressed, and enjoyed little amounts …show more content…
Nora Helmer lives as an ideal 19th century woman, a devoted wife and mother. At the debut of the drama, Nora seems to be a product of a beneficial life, a spendthrift and far from contemplative. She is addressed by her husband, Torvald, as his “little lark,” “little squirrel,” or a “featherbed,” and seems to act docile and conforming. But shortly after, the reader is enlightened to the fact that Nora, secretly, had taken out a loan to pay for her family’s year-long trip to Italy. This travel was a rash attempt to rejuvenate Torvald, who had fallen horribly ill. Resolute on saving her husband, Nora forges her late father’s signature, to receive a loan. To save her husband’s pride, she keeps this information to herself, works numerous odd jobs and saves money from her allowance. Despite her shallow exterior, it is evident Nora values love deeply, but outwardly promotes traditional expectations for men and …show more content…
Torvald Helmer is the main example, as he represents the stereotypical “strong” man, and is supposed to support his family. He uses bird images to address his wife. Thus, he shows the weakness of his wife. Torvald uses Nora’s naivety, financial dependence, and lack of knowledge of the outside world to his advantage. The feminine protagonist, at the beginning, represents a typical, restrained wife. Gender roles and social norms were clearly outlined. As a married woman, Nora is supposed to obey Torvald and wish to please him. However, Nora, has always seeked freedom. Speaking of her husband’s promotion to a managerial position, she exclaims, “Oh, Christina, I feel so light-hearted and happy. It’s delightful to have lots of money, and no need to worry about things, isn’t it?”(Ibsen, 98). Nora was waiting for a miracle, and a sacrifice from her husband. She truly believes that Torvald will forgive her, if he learns of her forgery. She believes her husband would have taken the blame for himself. Mistaken, she notices the truth and rebels. In her final action, Nora not only flees her dominating husband, but puts restricting gender roles ot the
The demands of freedom are manifested in the mental and emotional behaviors of both Nora Helmer, in A Doll’s House, and Hedda Gabler, in Hedda Gabler. Both hold onto their comfortable, monotonous lives until they are compelled to take drastic measures, searching for ultimate control. The final actions of Hedda and Nora shed light on the extreme consequences of lack of freedom.
Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler and A Doll’s House were written during the nineteenth century. This period was characterized by shocking treatment of women and lower social classes. Second-class citizens, women were oppressed, and enjoyed little amounts …show more content…
Nora Helmer lives as an ideal 19th century woman, a devoted wife and mother. At the debut of the drama, Nora seems to be a product of a beneficial life, a spendthrift and far from contemplative. She is addressed by her husband, Torvald, as his “little lark,” “little squirrel,” or a “featherbed,” and seems to act docile and conforming. But shortly after, the reader is enlightened to the fact that Nora, secretly, had taken out a loan to pay for her family’s year-long trip to Italy. This travel was a rash attempt to rejuvenate Torvald, who had fallen horribly ill. Resolute on saving her husband, Nora forges her late father’s signature, to receive a loan. To save her husband’s pride, she keeps this information to herself, works numerous odd jobs and saves money from her allowance. Despite her shallow exterior, it is evident Nora values love deeply, but outwardly promotes traditional expectations for men and …show more content…
Torvald Helmer is the main example, as he represents the stereotypical “strong” man, and is supposed to support his family. He uses bird images to address his wife. Thus, he shows the weakness of his wife. Torvald uses Nora’s naivety, financial dependence, and lack of knowledge of the outside world to his advantage. The feminine protagonist, at the beginning, represents a typical, restrained wife. Gender roles and social norms were clearly outlined. As a married woman, Nora is supposed to obey Torvald and wish to please him. However, Nora, has always seeked freedom. Speaking of her husband’s promotion to a managerial position, she exclaims, “Oh, Christina, I feel so light-hearted and happy. It’s delightful to have lots of money, and no need to worry about things, isn’t it?”(Ibsen, 98). Nora was waiting for a miracle, and a sacrifice from her husband. She truly believes that Torvald will forgive her, if he learns of her forgery. She believes her husband would have taken the blame for himself. Mistaken, she notices the truth and rebels. In her final action, Nora not only flees her dominating husband, but puts restricting gender roles ot the