Essay on Lies and Self-realization in A Dolls House

Lies and Self-realization in A Dolls House In Ibsens play, A Dolls House, the characters willingly exist in a situation of untruth or inadequate truth that conceals conflict. Noras independent nature is in contradiction to the tyrannical authority of Torvald. This conflict is concealed by the way they both hide their true selves from society, each other, and ultimately themselves. Just like Nora and Torvald, every character in this play is trapped in a situation of untruth. A Dolls House, can be misinterpreted as simply an attack on the religious values of Ibsens society. While this is certainly an important aspect of the play, it is not, however, Ibsens main point. A Dolls House established a method Ibsen†¦show more content†¦This longing is undoubtedly symbolic of her desire to be out of the control of Torvald and society. Despite her desire for freedom, Nora has, until the close of the story, accepted the comfort and ease, as well as the restrictions, of Torvalds home instead of facing the rigors that accompany independence. Ibsen wanted the reader to grasp one thing in the first act: Nora was willing to exchange her freedom for the easy life of the doll house. Ibsen shows that it takes a dramatic event to cause a person to reevaluate to what extent he can sacrifice his true human nature. For Nora, this event comes in the form of her realization that Torvald values his own social status above love (Brunsdale). It is important to understand Nora does not leave Torvald because of the condescending attitude he has towards her. That was, in her eyes, a small price to pay for the comfort and stability of his home. In Bernard Shaws essay on A Dolls House, he expresses that the climax of the play occurs when the womans eyes are opened; and instantly her dolls dress is thrown off and her husband is left staring at her( Shaw). To the reader it is clear that Helmer is brought to his senses when his household begins to fall apart (Shaw). It is important that Shaws grammar is not overlooked. The statements the womans eyes are opened... and Helmer is brought... both indicate that the subject of the statement is not responsible for theShow MoreRela tedHenrik Ibsen s A Doll s House Essay1408 Words   |  6 PagesHenrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House is a play that makes tremendous contributions to the rise of international women’s liberation movements. Much significance of the play can be found in the characterization of its female protagonist Nora. In many aspects, Nora has become an iconic character, serving as a source of inspiration to various social and cultural movements. This essay aims to trace the development of Nora’s behavior from a â€Å"female doll† to a â€Å"woman rebel† by focusing on Ibsen’s use of linguisticRead MorePrice of Freedom in Ibsens A Dolls House Essay1240 Words   |  5 PagesFreedom in A Dolls House   Ã‚   Freedom is something that people in all times, places, and experiences have sought after, often against great odds and at a great personal cost. But, in the struggle for freedom, every person gains a sense of true self, if they believe that the freedom which they are fighting for is just. In almost all plays, every character has something threatened which is important to them and which they consider worth fighting for. In Henrik Ibsens play A Doll House, everyRead MoreEssay on Theme of Self-discovery in The Awakening and A Dolls House1121 Words   |  5 PagesThe Theme of Self-discovery in The Awakening and A Doll House      Ã‚  Ã‚   In Chopins The Awakening and Ibsens A Doll House, the main characters each experience an awakening. Although they lead different lives, Nora Helmer and Edna Pontelliers respective awakenings are caused by similar factors. From the beginning, neither character fits the standard stereotype of women in the society in which they lived. Another factor that influences Nora and Ednas awakenings is their marital relationship. 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In this essay, we’ll discuss why these late 19th century, early 20th century authors chose to make suicide, or the desire for death (or other drastic behavior), agency for their female characters in these two texts. We’ll do this by analyzing the feminist themes