The Effects Of Symbolism In A Doll's House

Psychologists today often identify past and present society and cultures as either exhibiting predominantly masculine or famine characteristics. During the nineteenth century, Norway was in the midst of identifying itself from the rule of Denmark. Hence, they were reshaping political and personal freedoms, especially in relation to gender. These were the conditions for the introduction of Henrik Ibsen’s play, A Doll’s House. In Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll House, the effects of the patriarchal Norwegian culture of the nineteenth century are portrayed as imprisoning to Torvald and Nora as seen through condescending diction, irony, and symbolism to illustrate their radical character differences and changes throughout the play.

First, Ibsen illustrates …show more content…
At this point, Torvald’s controlling nature is conveyed through the symbol of macaroons as Nora takes “a bite” without Torvald’s knowledge even though she knows he will chastise her for “not taking” a single “bite”. Hence, the relationship between Torvald and Nora becomes a deceitful one. As seen through the symbol of the macaroons, Nora must hide any evidence of independence and self thought while Torvald attempts to uncover any dishonesty to ensure obedience. In turn, this pattern becomes Ibsen’s interpretation of the way nineteenth century society appears to conforms to the Norwegian patriarchal societal norms. Furthermore, Torvald’s condoning character and Nora’s deceptive one are echoed through symbolism to illustrate how both conform to patriarchal norms. Particularly, Torvald’s dominance and Nora’s frustrations are juxtaposed by the tarantella dance when he orders Nora to “go and play through the tarantella and practice your tambourine” (Ibsen 37). Then, when Nora is practicing, Torvald stops playing to “correct her better” and give her “frequent instructions” and cause her to “dance more and more wildly” (Ibsen 48). Hence, Torvald places his own needs above Nora’s by forcing her to obey his wishes and “play through the tarantella”. Nora obeys, but her frustration get the best of her as she finds herself confined and desperate to escape male dominance, even in small ways such as dancing “wildly”. Thus, condoning imagery leads Ibsen’s audience to view the tarantella dance as a symbol of patriarchal dominance within the Helmer household. Therefore, the symbol of the dance displays the precarious line between Torvald’s conformity and Nora’s