Charcterization of Nora Dolls hosue
In Henrik Ibsen's, play A Dolls House, the character of Nora Helmer goes through the dramatic transformation of a kind and loving house wife, to a desperate and bewildered woman, whom eventually leaves her husband and everything she has known because she is driven by money and the pursuit of happiness. At the beginning of the play, Nora returns from Christmas shopping. Ibsen shows the struggle between there middle class marriage by presenting the money factor that comes with the holidays. Nora plans to have large Christmas party, while Torvald would rather refrain from doing so because he has been out of work and knows that they have a limited cash flow. "Oh yes, Torvald, we can squander a little now" She acts like a child and thinks that they will "indeed have piles of money" (1506) because Torvald just got a new job at the bank. Torvald replies, "But then it is three full months until the raise comes through" (1506). Nora at this point in the play is nothing more than a child. She carelessly acts irresponsible and is not thinking ahead of possible consequences that may arise from squandering money that the couple does not have. Nora sees nothing wrong in spending large amounts of money on Christmas. Granted this is a righteous
cause, since the holidays are about giving to others, but as an adult, she must be aware of the two's financial situations and know the limit of happiness that they are able to provide money wise. Torvald begins to use condescending terms towards Nora. "...my dear little Nora. You're an odd little one" (1507). Torvald sees nothing wrong with talking to Nora this way. Nora acts like a child, and he treats her like one. He makes her feel that she as a woman, is inferior to him. "If you actually hung onto money I give you, and you actually used it to buy yourself something." (1507). She wastes the money that he gives her by buying fruitless things that are not needed. Later in Act I, Nora's friend Mrs. Linde visits Nora. Even in their conversation, Mrs. Linde comments on Nora's childish behavior. "Well my heavens a little needlework and such, that's all you do, Nora, you're just a child." (1511). Nora defends herself, to regain her standing within her friend of the same social standing as herself. "I've also got something to be proud and happy for. I'm the one who saved Torvald's life." (1511). Nora secretly undermines society and provides economically for her husband. In contrast to societal beliefs at the time, it was outlandish that a wife would in anyway provide for her husband. This creates a paradox within her relationship with
Some common words found in the essay are:
Act Nora's, Nora Helmer, Torvald I'll, Torvald Krogstad, Christmas Granted, II Nora's, Nora Nora, Listen Helmer, Hide Seek, Nora Nora's, nora you're, own wife, children play, societal beliefs, 1511 nora, nora acts, play nora, hide seek, acts child,
Approximate Word count = 906
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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