Context (better)

• Henrik Ibsen


  Norwegian playwright considered the father of modern realism
• A Doll's House


  • Realist drama that explores psychological turmoil
  • Predominantly deals with the internal lives of characters and the motives behind their actions
  • Characters' motives are exemplified through their interactions
• Realist play


  • Dialogue-driven with a plot that is secondary to character interaction
  • A Doll's House takes place over the course of the Christmas holiday, during which visitors arrive at the Helmers' house
  • The only action is a party, which take place off-stage
• Realist protagonist


  • Defies social convention in some way
  • Nora defies convention by leaving her marriage in the resolution of the play
• Realist dramas


  • Revolve around a protagonist dealing with conflicts between their own weaknesses and a form of societal injustice
  • Nora's dilemma is presented vividly, via paranoid mutterings, a crazed dance and half-formed thoughts of suicide
  • Ibsen ensures audiences are aware that the reasons for her despair stem from patriarchal limitations and hypocrisies within a bourgeoisie society
• Realist dramas


  • Gained popularity in the 19th century due to their depiction of ordinary lives
  • Nora and Torvald Helmer exemplify a middle-class family of the time
  • Characters typically represent average citizens rather than the exaggerated and fantastical heroes of Greek drama
• A Doll's House


  • Includes aspects of naturalism, a heightened form of realism
  • Naturalism is typically known for stage settings and props that are ordinary and domestic in nature
  • This contrasts with Greek drama, which generally portrayed outdoor settings
  • Ibsen's stage directions call for the set to be a comfortable middle-class home
  • The action takes place in one room, highlighting the oppressive atmosphere
  • External pressures are brought in from the outside world in the form of guests
• Naturalist realism


  • Prosaic dialogue is used in place of verse to represent everyday speech
  • Torvald's pet names exemplify the vernacular of a husband in a traditional marriage
  • Explores ideas within determinism, a philosophy influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution
  • Ibsen explores the concept of adaptability into society through each character in A Doll's House
• Naturalist drama


  • Miss Julie by Swedish playwright August Strindberg, written in 1888
• A Doll's House


  • Conforms to the conventions of naturalism in that its characters are presented as shaped by circumstances outside of their control
  • They are controlled by external pressures applied by their social and economic environment
  • The play's naturalist and determinist influences are present in Ibsen's depiction of characters struggling to find meaning in a life without religion
  • Torvald accuses Nora of having "no religion" in that she ignores her duty
  • This raises questions about religious values and duty within social constructs
• A Doll's House


  • The play is set during a Norwegian festival, translated as Yule
  • The season marks a turning point: the death of the old year and the birth of a new one
  • Nora's new life begins on Boxing Day
  • The play ends as she closes the door behind her on the "doll's house"
• Nora


  Her character represents humility, honesty and sacrifice
• Torvald and Nora


  Named after Greek gods
• Kristine


  Her name has associations with Christianity
• A Doll's House


  • Reflects current debates at the time related to individualism and destiny
  • Revolving around Nora's forgery years before, Ibsen explores the notion of fate
  • Nora's transformation symbolises a new life awakened by two unexpected visits
• Darwinism


  • A theory of evolution that challenged religious teachings about creationism
  • Suggested that species survive by adapting themselves to existing conditions
• A Doll's House


  • The influence of Darwinism is evident in the plot
  • Nora defies her husband and takes on work at night
  • Nora's survival, as well as the survival of other characters like Kristine Linde, Anne Marie and Nils Krogstad, depend on resourcefulness and adaptability
  • Nora's restricted autonomy forces her to adapt to her environment
• The New Woman


  • An independent woman, often outside the constraints of marriage
  • The term was first coined in 1894
• A Doll's House


  • Significant as a work that sought to empower women
  • Mrs Linde is an example of the New Woman, as a single woman she has agency over her own security
  • Ibsen's play is considered modern drama as it challenges traditional institutions and standards
  • Its controversial depiction of marriage and hypocrisies within patriarchal systems focus on ideas related to the concept of the New Woman
• European society


  • Enriched by industrialisation, single females were offered more opportunities to find work
  • In Norway, education was made accessible to females in 1876
  • However, females were restricted in the labour force as they earned less than men and were offered mainly menial jobs
  • Bourgeoisie society expected wives to refrain from work
• Nora


  • Defies social conventions, although she suffers under the secrecy of her unlawful act
• Torvald Helmer


  • Seems to enjoy complaining about the burden Nora places on him
  • Says she forgets everything he teaches her and spends all his money
• A Doll's House


  • The play's concern with parenthood is significant in terms of the New Woman
  • Torvald suggests that children have no place around a new woman
• Henrik Ibsen was born in Skien, Norway in 1828
• Ibsen's popularity grew despite his plays being considered scandalous and inappropriate
• A Doll's House


  • Ibsen wrote the play at a time when society was dominated by strict Victorian social codes
  • The importance of a flawless appearance is exemplified in the play through Nora's preoccupation with ensuring the house is perfect for her husband
  • The title alludes to Victorian family roles: children who are not seen or heard, an obedient and cheerful wife and a responsible and capable husband
• Europe


  • Most of Europe applied the Napoleonic Code, which prevented women from engaging in financial transactions
  • Many women chose not to marry because of these laws and the growing suffrage movement
• European society


  • The rise of industry created a socially mobile society
  • Torvald and Nora's relief when he is promoted, and their belief this will provide them safety and security, illustrates such pressures
  • Torvald is most concerned with ensuring he never accrues any debt as he believes this is immoral and disgraceful
  • Nevertheless, in an increasingly capitalist society, the bourgeoisie, as the emergent middle class, found their new wealth brought pressures