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Exploring Themes and Characters in A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen

This analysis delves into Henry Ibsen's iconic play "A Doll's House," highlighting his life, historical context, and the rising role of women. It examines themes such as the struggle for self-identity, the conflicts between societal expectations and personal desires, and the realism in Ibsen's portrayal of everyday life. Key characters like Nora Helmer and Torvald illustrate the dichotomy between appearance and reality, while motifs like letters and money underscore the power dynamics in relationships. Understand the significance of these elements within the play's critique of 19th-century society.

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Exploring Themes and Characters in A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Be a Scholar:A Doll’s House By AilinaHeng

  2. 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

  3. Historical Information • The 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

  4. Themes • Role 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 reputation • Morality • Society’s morality versus true morality • Ex: Nora forging her husband’s signature

  5. Motifs • Letters  reveal secrets • Ex: Nora borrowing loan • Money  demonstrates power • Torvald gaining a job with money • Inheritance  science and values • Dr. Rank and tuberculosis • Nora and Torvald and their children

  6. Significant Characters • Nora Helmer Protagonist • TorvaldHelmer  Partly antagonistic • Krogstad  Antagonist • Christine Linde  Confidante • Dr. Rank  portrays themes

  7. Style • Realism • 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

  8. Symbolism • Holidays  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

  9. Conflicts • Man vs. Man • Nora vs. Krogstad • Krogstad vs. Torvald • Torvald vs. Nora • Man vs. Society • Nora vs. Woman’s Role in Society • Man vs. Self • Nora vs. Inner self

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