In A Doll's House, Ibsen presents a view of the world that is unconventional to say the least. He breaks from tradition to compose a play that deals with what were at the time controversial social issues, and he presents a view of these issues that was highly unpopular. In A Doll's House as well as in many of his other plays from his modern period, Ibsen was criticized because he dared to break new ground and to challenge the accepted values of his society. So, was Ibsen's play a feminist work, devoted to helping women in society, or was it designed to show a different perhaps more universal message.
             Many critics who have read, seen, and commented on A Doll's House have stated that it is most definitely a feminist work. However, Ibsen himself never forthrightly said that his play was indeed feminist. Yet, something in the play obviously disturbed the man driven society of his time. In fact, several theater productions decided to change the ending of A Doll's House in order to make it more acceptable. I believe that there is no denying the presence of feminist views, characters, and actions in the play. However, I am not convinced that feminism was Ibsen's main message in the play. In order to find the feminist views in the play, we must first define feminism. Feminism can be defined according to Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary as the theory of political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.
             If you had never before read A Doll's House, and you opened it up to read Act 1, your first reaction would be, "This is one of the most sexist things I have ever heard." You wouldn't be able to understand how anyone could call this play a feminist work. You are quickly introduced to the two main characters: Torvald, The dominant, wise, caring, smart and prosperous husband, and Nora, the meek, submissive, foolish, and naive housewife. Torvald is the "man of the...