Who Is Nora A Dynamic Character

Naive, dainty, well off and living an easy life. These would be some descriptions of Nora from Henrik Ibsen 's play A Doll 's House. If you were to take Nora 's character at face value she would be all these things as well as a shining model of the ideal woman of Ibsen 's time. She was perfect in the eyes of those that surrounded her. Yet as you go further into the heart of this story, we find that she is none of these things rather she was the opposite of what was expected at the time. In reality she is far more capable and calculating then she lets on. Her appearance as a perfect lady does not reflect her acts and actions within the story. When she is confronted with a situation where there is no other choice she proves that she is not a …show more content…
Furthermore Ibsen 's use of diction in nora’s language shows how Nora is consciously changing to keep up her facade. Nora’s ability to do this despite seeming to be the perfect lady shows how she her ability to manipulate in this case does not match up with her outward appearance. One example of this in action is when Nora speaks to Torvald about gifts. In this instance she happily plays along to Torvalds nicknames and teasing like being called a little spendthrift and a little squirrel (7). She then uses torvald’s perception of her being a spendthrift and asks “You might give me money, Torvald” in response to torvalds offer for a gift (7). The way this is written makes it seem so much more innocent even though Nora is outright manipulating Torvald for money. Another implication that comes up in this is how she knowingly plays the sweet little lady to please Torvald. Another example of the diction of Nora’s dialogue being used to create a false image of her is when she speaks to Dr. Rank. She was fully aware that he has feelings for her and used that in conjunction with her ability to act like a weak lady. In this case she was very subtle by saying that “It is something out of all reason ; its means advice and help, and favor.”(47). Ibsen uses diction to make Nora’s request seem more sincere even though she had thought of using Dr Rank for his money. Her language, the way it is written gives off a tone of innocence and meekness …show more content…
Ibsen’s literary techniques cumulates to show how contrasting Nora’s appearance and her abilities and intentions are. Her appearance as a perfect lady in comparison to her ability to act independently and freely are at the heart of this well made play. In the beginning of the play Nora is seen as a perfect lady someone who is obedient loyal and submissive to their husband. This is true at first yet we do see flaws in this facade as she is happy to rebel against Torvalds wishes for example by eating the macaroons (9). It was evident in the first act that Nora’s perfect lady appearances did not line up completely with her ability but it begins to become a polar opposite in act 2 and 3. Her actions from the second that Krogstad threatened to reveal her secret(29). She became decisive and took things into her own hands and without Torvald’s help which is in direct opposition to her image of an ideal wife. An example of this is when Krogstad puts the letter into the mailbox, Nora was willing to try and pick the lock to prevent her secret from getting out (69). This would contrast with her naive and dainty appearance which by the end of the play she is nothing like. Another example of this contrast between her appearance and actions is when she manipulates people like Dr rank and Torvald. The first by acting dainty to get money(7). while the latter