In A Doll’s House, Ibsen criticizes society and the ways of life in that time. Ibsen shows this in Torvold’s overwhelming power and control over Nora. This is also seen in the way that Women are weakened by society. Lastly it is shown in the way that Torvold tries to maintain a good reputation to the public. Ibsen critics many different aspects of society from the way that the male figure is so dominant in marriage, next how the woman does not have much of a role in society, and finally how reputation is more important than morals.
First is the way that the marriage between Torvold and Nora is put to shame due to the overpowering actions of Torvold. One example of Torvold’s dominance was his forbiddance of macaroons in the house. Another was the way that he dressed her for the Costume party. All this time Nora had pretty much been loyal and listened to all of what Torvold had said, and then the one time that Torvold cold have been loyal to Nora and believed her and been on her side he didn’t and instead was thinking about himself. This shows how much of a one-sided marriage it was and how it was a mock on society, mainly the ways of the upper class.
Next is the criticism of the role of the women in society. It was basically a time where the woman could not do anything for herself. An example of this from the book is the loan that Nora took out to save Torvold’s life. Nora could not take out the loan herself due to the fact that she was a women and only men could take out loans, a women could only take out a loan if they had the consent of a husband or a father. Due to the fact that she was doing this for Torvold she went ahead and forged the documents knowing that it was wrong and could end up getting her into trouble. This was a total mockery on society due to fact that even though Nora was doing this to save the life of her husband she not only was not aloud to do it but then Torvold found out he was not happy she saved his life but mad about what it could do to him.
Free Essay – Nora in Act 1 in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House
The Character of Nora in Act 1 of A Doll’s House
The character of Nora, of Isben’s A Doll’s House, is particularly difficult to interpret. Her character is constructed by the combination of a number of varying traits. Throughout Act 1 her ambiguity is particularly prominent. Her frivolous, playful moments are readily followed by moments of practicality and astuteness. It is not surprising that Nora is such a changeable character for she is constantly interchanging between three main roles: a supporting wife, fundamental mother and sexual being.
Ibsen uses the metaphor of a doll inside a doll house to portray Nora’s attempt to become an individual while confined inside a male dominated world. Her wish to become self motivated is obstructed by Torvald’s power over her. Nora’s home is the realization of domestic bliss, preserved and presented like “A Doll’s House.” Lacking experience of life in the real world and oblivious to the outdoor hardships, Nora is vulnerable. She enters muffled in protection from the outside, portrayed symbolically through her coat, scarf etc.
Immediately, Nora appears childlike and coquettish. She orders Helene in an excitable tone to hide the Christmas tree as the children “mustn’t see it till tonight.” Nora’s secretiveness in wanting to hide the tree, extends further, and is a constant theme. Following Torvald’s light- hearted interrogation with regard to whether she has had any macaroons, she becomes nervous and lies, “No Torvald, I promise…No No…Torvald I swear.” Of course, this is particularly important as the entire play rotates around Nora’s “big secret.” With the entrance of Krogstad, Nora’s sense of fun abandons her. Her attempt to enforce her social superiority over him is genuinely intimidated. In her ambitious attempt to be superior she states “one isn’t without influence”. However, within moments she is forced into pleading “Mr. Krogstad, I don’t have any influence.”
Nora’s stereotyped roll as a doll confined to a doll’s house constantly being fathered by Torvald encourages her childlike manner. However an entirely different contradicting side to Nora’s character is revealed when Nora explains exactly what she did “for Helmer”. Although Nora is a woman who shirks or is probably unaware of her responsibilities (particularly with regard to her children who are under permanent care of Ann- Marie) here she has, apparently, fulfilled something of her duty as a wife. Her personal attitude to her action, which in her mind saved “Torvald’s life” is very childlike.