In the play A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, the central character, Nora, is faced with the difficulties of complying with social standards. Ibsen uses the characterization of Torvald and Nora to portray Torvald as a parent figure for Nora, and thus reveal to readers how the societal standards of husbands acting as the legal guardians of their wives negatively impacts marital relationships by restricting wives from being individuals.
Ibsen addresses the issue of oppression and individuality through Torvald and Nora’s marriage. From the Interactive Orals, it was discussed that during the 19th century, “women status was considered as incapable…it was impossible to… control their own money,” and that women were not “able to be considered for any …show more content…
Throughout the play, Torvald refrains from addressing Nora by her real name. Whenever his character is seen speaking to Nora, he calls her “[his] sweet little Nora” (Ibsen 27), “[his] obstinate little woman” (26), and other pet names. Although the two are a married couple, the use of the word “little” implies that Nora is inferior to Torvald. By using the word “little” to describe Nora, it denotes how Nora is of less significance and that she is not seen as any type of threat to Torvald. Children are typically non-threatening and they do not usually have any power or position of authority over other people. By using the word “little” to characterize Nora, the word’s denotation essentially portrays Nora as a child and Torvald as the parent. In addition, Torvald asserts his power by establishing rules for Nora. When Nora is caught eating a macaroon, Torvald asks, “Hasn’t Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today?” (4). Not only does Torvald address his wife with a childish pet name, but he also states that his wife has broken his rules. Adults do not usually establish rules for one another, especially ones as simple as eating sweets. Furthermore, the word “rules” denotes a set of principles that govern conduct. Adults usually know how to act and behave reasonably, it doesn’t seem …show more content…
However, the play’s purpose is also to make readers question the appropriateness of the laws established in the 19th century in Norway regarding women’s rights. From the Interactive Oral, the group had informed the audience that women were considered minors and that their husbands were to be their guardians; thus, it can be seen that Torvald is the parent-figure for Nora, considering that she was under the authority of her husband and that she was dependent on him. Seeing that Torvald was in control, he had jurisdiction over what Nora could and couldn’t do. Towards the end of the play, when Nora confronts Torvald , she says, “You arranged everything according to your own taste, and so I got the same tastes as you – or else I pretended to,” (66). It can be seen that children are similar to their parents because they are one of their first influences, but in this case, Torvald created a character for Nora. Torvald expected Nora to be more like him, as some parents might, before learning that they should let their children become who they want to be. The play thus reveals to readers how the societal standards in Norway in the 19th century restricted women from being
Ibsen addresses the issue of oppression and individuality through Torvald and Nora’s marriage. From the Interactive Orals, it was discussed that during the 19th century, “women status was considered as incapable…it was impossible to… control their own money,” and that women were not “able to be considered for any …show more content…
Throughout the play, Torvald refrains from addressing Nora by her real name. Whenever his character is seen speaking to Nora, he calls her “[his] sweet little Nora” (Ibsen 27), “[his] obstinate little woman” (26), and other pet names. Although the two are a married couple, the use of the word “little” implies that Nora is inferior to Torvald. By using the word “little” to describe Nora, it denotes how Nora is of less significance and that she is not seen as any type of threat to Torvald. Children are typically non-threatening and they do not usually have any power or position of authority over other people. By using the word “little” to characterize Nora, the word’s denotation essentially portrays Nora as a child and Torvald as the parent. In addition, Torvald asserts his power by establishing rules for Nora. When Nora is caught eating a macaroon, Torvald asks, “Hasn’t Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today?” (4). Not only does Torvald address his wife with a childish pet name, but he also states that his wife has broken his rules. Adults do not usually establish rules for one another, especially ones as simple as eating sweets. Furthermore, the word “rules” denotes a set of principles that govern conduct. Adults usually know how to act and behave reasonably, it doesn’t seem …show more content…
However, the play’s purpose is also to make readers question the appropriateness of the laws established in the 19th century in Norway regarding women’s rights. From the Interactive Oral, the group had informed the audience that women were considered minors and that their husbands were to be their guardians; thus, it can be seen that Torvald is the parent-figure for Nora, considering that she was under the authority of her husband and that she was dependent on him. Seeing that Torvald was in control, he had jurisdiction over what Nora could and couldn’t do. Towards the end of the play, when Nora confronts Torvald , she says, “You arranged everything according to your own taste, and so I got the same tastes as you – or else I pretended to,” (66). It can be seen that children are similar to their parents because they are one of their first influences, but in this case, Torvald created a character for Nora. Torvald expected Nora to be more like him, as some parents might, before learning that they should let their children become who they want to be. The play thus reveals to readers how the societal standards in Norway in the 19th century restricted women from being