Post on 17-Dec-2015
transcript
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON
“A DOLL’S HOUSE”
Presented by Lia Vaszily, Carly Anderson,
Elizabeth Hewitt, Cameron Corn, & Taylor
Medford
HERIK IBSEN (1828-1906)
Ibsen was a major 19th century
playwright, theatre director, and
poet.
Ibsen is often referred to as the
“father of prose drama,” and is
one of the founders of
Modernism in theatre.
In his era, many of his plays
were considered scandalous
because of their stance toward
issues such as morality and
their depiction of family life.
19TH CENTURY IDEALSThe ideals present in Europe and Norway at the time the play
was written in 1870 are clearly shown in the play.
Torvald represents the “bourgeois respectability” atmosphere
that was rampant during the 19th century. His attitude reflects
what characteristics give respectability to19th century upper and
middle class such as financial success, social mobility,
freedom from debt, a stable and secure family established
under traditional patriarchal values, and the absence of moral
guilt.
Another ideal present in the play is the impact that one’s lineage
has on future generations. Crimes and immoral acts committed
by the father are paid for by the son. For example, Nora’s
children would have been doomed because of her heinous actions.
19TH CENTURY EUROPEAN AND
NORWEGIAN WOMEN
In 19th century Europe and
Norway the rights of women
were virtually non-existent.
It was believed that it was
the “order of nature” for
women to obey men and to
remain dependent on them
their entire lives, first as
daughters and later as
wives. Women were
expected to absorb opinions
and ideas rather than to
have their own.
19T HCENTURY EUROPEAN AND NORWEGIAN
MARRIAGES
Women gave up what rights they did have when they became
married for example the right to control their own earnings.
Married women were not allowed to enter into any contracts, couldn’t
control any earned wages, or take part in any legal transactions.
Women were economically, socially, and psychologically dependent
on their husbands.
Divorce wasn’t socially accepted, in certain places illegal, and if a
divorce was granted, full custodial power was automatically given to
the father.
CONTROVERSY OVER “A DOLL’S HOUSE”
Nora’s actions in the play
spark controversy because of
her actions, motives, and
beliefs. Nora uses Torvald’s
assumptions about women
to control his emotions. She
gets power over him when
she acts as she “should.”
Her secret loan and forgery
aren’t, in the play, attributed
to her moral character, but
to her love for her husband.
It is her departure that is
viewed most unacceptable
to 19th century society.
CONTROVERSY CONTINUED…
However honest her
intentions, Nora commits
the most unthinkable
crime- abandonment of
her husband and
children. However Nora
leaves because she
doesn't’ know who she is
as an individual. In this
century her identity was
previously characterized
by her role as wife and
mother.
CONCLUSION
“A Doll’s House” was a
very accurate
representation of a
middle class marriage.
Torvald and Nora portray
a typical 19th century
lifestyle and her
departure was viewed as
an unacceptable act. So
much that in come
countries, like Germany,
the ending was changed.
In that version Torvald
and Nora live happily
ever after.
Prosecuting Nora in CourtJudge- Thank you for attending this case today. This case involves the possible criminal acts of Nora Helmer. Court is now in session.
Prosecution – I appreciate you taking your time in being here today. It has come to my attention that Nora has committed several crimes including forgery, desertion, breach of contract. Not only did she do these things to her family, she tried to bribe Krogstad.
Defense- Nora has done nothing wrong to her family. If anything, she is the victim here. Could you imagine being trapped in your own home? Being treated like a doll? Nora has lost her identity because of Torvald. He only lets her be a housewife. She did a very unselfish thing when she helped Torvald get the medical help he needed…who else would have saved his life?
Prosecution-Yes, I agree that she was very unselfish, but at the same time she did this behind her husband’s back, without his permission. All this, and she wasn’t even certain she would repay the loan which would mean debt for her family. Nobody should borrow money without certainty that they can pay it back. In addition, she forged her father’s signature…a severe crime, punishable by law.
Defense- Nora made it a priority to pay back Krogstad. She worked long nights during the Christmas holiday to earn money to repay her loan. As a matter of fact, Nora was extremely close to paying off her debt…how many women do you know that can accomplish that ?
Prosecution- It doesn’t matter why she took out the loan or forged the signature..and can you explain the desertion of her family? No, you can’t. The law is the law sir, and Nora Helmer is guilty.
Judge- Now it’s time for the jury to deliberate. JURY….
Verdict-guilty, innocent, guilty, guilty
Judge- The jury has decided. Nora Helmer is guilty of forgery, desertion, and breach of contract. Court adjourned.