The Character of Nora Helmer in Act 1 of A Doll's House.

A detailed Summary of The Character of Nora Helmer in Act 1 of A Doll's House.


The capricious character of Nora 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.

Her inconsistent moods mean as readers, we are forced to reconsider her character at every contradicting suggestion.

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's house to portray Nora's attempt to become individual whilst confined inside a male dominated world. Her wish to become self motivated is obstructed by Tor


Her personal attitude to her action, which in her mind saved "Torvald's life" is very childlike. She is very smug and unaware of potentially dangerous consequences.

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.

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".

Nora is a dependent woman, confined to a "play" world, striving to become independent and to enter reality despite the obstruction of her husband Torvald.

With

Some common words found in the essay are:
Ann- Marie, Throughout Act, Krogstad Nora's, Immediately Nora, House Lacking, Character Act, Helmer Nora, doll's house, Torvald Nora, act 1, nora's character,

Approximate Word count = 561
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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