A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen Essay -- Women Roles, Children, Analysis

Henrik Ibsens A maams House is a 19th century realist make that was the first of its kind to analyze womens roles in the typical offerhold in such a stressed manner. Ibsen created this play for his audiences to become observers to observe his characters interact. As the play progresses, it is apparent that the characters meld with one another in a very childish manner. Ibsen uses this childlike action in A Dolls House in order to receive the image that he sees to the observers. Ibsen uses childishness in the characters of A Dolls House to contrast gender roles in 19th century Europe and ridicule the car park household jointure of his day. A Dolls House is establish around the relationship of Torvald Helmer, the chief of a local bank, and his wife, Nora. The foolishness in the relationship between the two is evident early on. Is that my midget play twittering out there (Ibsen 1), said Torvald to Nora. By the use of the pet raise little lark, it is clear that Torvald do es not have an incredible tot of respect for his wife, and her response Yes, it is (Ibid) shows that Nora has little respect for herself as well. The quotes show the smarmy passion the two characters have for each other. Torvald uses other pet name calling for Nora throughout the play like little squirrel, (Ibsen 2), featherhead, (Ibid), Miss Sweet Tooth, (Ibsen 4), spendthrift, (Ibid) and little person (Ibid). Torvalds use of pet names and insincere respect show an inequality between the spouses. Each of these names show Torvalds incredible lack of respect for Nora and creates a sense that Nora is less of a wife and more of pet, toy, or doll to Torvald. On page 2, Torvald takes Nora playfully by the ear, again demonstrating the relation... ...ss. She does what she deems best and leaves her husband and kids. In A Dolls House, the characters are simplified into childish representations that are motivated solely by self-interest George Orwell would be proud. The metaphor of a doll house is effective in Ibsens satire of the typical European marriage of the 19th century. Ibsens parallels between the Helmer household and an actual dolls house gives the play more depth, and the thought of women being treated like pets was effectively ridiculed. The characters immaturity is a subtle twist to this play that enables it to get Ibsens head up across in a unique way through his characters childishness, Ibsen gets the augur across that the average housewife did not deserve to be treated like property with no respect.Works CitedIbsen, Henrik. A Dolls House. Mineola, N.Y. Dover Publications,, 1992. Print.