Be a Scholar:A Doll’s HouseBy Ailina Heng

Henrik Ibsen Born March 20, 1828 in Skien, Norway

◦ Father was a merchant; mother was an artist◦ Poverty struck family farm life Ibsen discovered more about

literature Age 15, Ibsen went to work in an apothecary

◦ Wrote Catilina, first play Late 1850, met Ole Bull Norwegian Theatre in Bergen In 1868, Ibsen went to Germany and saw first social

drama which inspired A Doll’s House After exiled from Norway, most of his work became

popular Returned to Norway as a literary hero

◦ Died on May 23, 1906

Historical InformationThe role of women began

to rise.◦1882 Married Women’s

Property Act◦Education Act

Charles Darwin published, “The Descent Man”

Oxford began allowing female students into the university

ThemesRole of Women

◦ Self-sacrificial Nora sacrifices children in order to find her true identity

◦ Not allowed to handle money, conduct business within society, get educated, isolated in marriages

Appearance vs. Reality◦ The appearance of characters do not

match the realities of who they are.◦ Ex: Torvald appears loving and caring but

is selfish and cares more for reputationMorality

◦ Society’s morality versus true morality◦ Ex: Nora forging her husband’s signature

MotifsLetters reveal secrets

◦Ex: Nora borrowing loanMoney demonstrates power

◦Torvald gaining a job with money

Inheritance science and values◦Dr. Rank and tuberculosis◦Nora and Torvald and their

children

Significant CharactersNora Helmer ProtagonistTorvald Helmer Partly

antagonistic Krogstad AntagonistChristine Linde ConfidanteDr. Rank portrays themes

StyleRealism

◦Definition: a manner of treating subject matter that presents a careful description of everyday life, usually of the lower and middle classes

◦ Characterizes colloquial, everyday speech◦Realism vs. Naturalism Realism provides

some unrealistic events Ex: door bell ringing at the perfect time, people

entering and exiting when necessary

SymbolismHolidays Christmas and New

Year’s◦Symbolizes rebirth and renewal◦Ex: Nora realizing to find her identity,

Krogstad developing into a generous character

Christmas Tree◦Symbolizes Nora as a character◦Nora is ornamental as the Christmas

tree◦Act Two demonstrates a burnt down

tree

ConflictsMan vs. Man

◦Nora vs. Krogstad◦Krogstad vs. Torvald◦Torvald vs. Nora

Man vs. Society◦Nora vs. Woman’s

Role in SocietyMan vs. Self

◦Nora vs. Inner self