In modern society we are told to not judge others for their appearance but rather for their personal characteristics. While this idea is far from being accomplished, inner qualities are definitely appreciated more in today’s society, implying that the concept of assessing others solely by their exterior display has been diminished. Likewise, through the major characters’ personalities and dialogue in both As You Like It by William Shakespeare and A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, a central idea of false appearance literally and figuratively unifies both plays.
At the beginning of the two stories, there is an obvious contrast in personality between Nora and Orlando. After learning that Orlando has beaten the famous wrestler named Charles, the …show more content…
Similar to the character of Ganymede, Krogstad’s first impression to the audience coveys him as a closed-minded and impolite man, far from being happy. Firstly, when Rosalind disguises herself, she creates a deceptive projection by becoming an average man who is very demeaning towards women. “…I thank God I am not a woman, to be touched with so many giddy offences as he hath generally taxed their whole sex withal” (3.2.313-316). Although Rosalind does not hate women, she adopts a misogynistic affectation to conform to the general man’s idea of females at the time, thereby successfully tricking Orlando. This misleading façade continues throughout most of the play, solidifying the influence of deception used by Shakespeare. However, in the early stages of A Doll’s House, Krogstad seems very scornful through his dialogue with Nora. When speaking about their bond, he says, “Your father died on the 29th of September. But look here: he has dated his signature October 2nd! Is not that remarkable, Mrs. Helmer?” (1). In this exchange, Krogstad clearly takes a snide and sarcastic tone, suggesting an uncivil interior personality. But, after finding love with Mrs. Linde, he shows his true nature by sending the bond to the Helmers. This action suggests his relationship with Mrs. Linde led to Krogstad’s success in finding happiness, which then destroyed his previous unpleasant nature. In As You Like It, Duke Fredrick also undergoes a peaceful transformation similar to
At the beginning of the two stories, there is an obvious contrast in personality between Nora and Orlando. After learning that Orlando has beaten the famous wrestler named Charles, the …show more content…
Similar to the character of Ganymede, Krogstad’s first impression to the audience coveys him as a closed-minded and impolite man, far from being happy. Firstly, when Rosalind disguises herself, she creates a deceptive projection by becoming an average man who is very demeaning towards women. “…I thank God I am not a woman, to be touched with so many giddy offences as he hath generally taxed their whole sex withal” (3.2.313-316). Although Rosalind does not hate women, she adopts a misogynistic affectation to conform to the general man’s idea of females at the time, thereby successfully tricking Orlando. This misleading façade continues throughout most of the play, solidifying the influence of deception used by Shakespeare. However, in the early stages of A Doll’s House, Krogstad seems very scornful through his dialogue with Nora. When speaking about their bond, he says, “Your father died on the 29th of September. But look here: he has dated his signature October 2nd! Is not that remarkable, Mrs. Helmer?” (1). In this exchange, Krogstad clearly takes a snide and sarcastic tone, suggesting an uncivil interior personality. But, after finding love with Mrs. Linde, he shows his true nature by sending the bond to the Helmers. This action suggests his relationship with Mrs. Linde led to Krogstad’s success in finding happiness, which then destroyed his previous unpleasant nature. In As You Like It, Duke Fredrick also undergoes a peaceful transformation similar to