Nora
Nora Helmer is a delicate, pampered wife who was spoiled by her wealthy father and later by Torvald. As Ibsen alludes, Nora is the doll of this dollhouse, as her role is to bend into the shape of the ideal housewife. If it is dancing for her husband, completing the family shopping, or playing childish games to attract Helmer's attention, Nora will do what it takes to fit the roles. As readers, we soon read that beneath the blank smile of this doll lies a web of lies, deception, and debt. Nora lives a life separated from the glittering housewife of Torvald Helmer. Nora is possible of her own triumphs and tragedies, independent of the life and decisions of her husband. Using creative symbolic animal imagery, Ibsen develops a deeper understanding of Nora's character, allowing her the capability to deceive and strike a blow for independence of women.Helmer's first spoken phrase comes from the study off-stage: "Is that my little lark twittering out there?" (346) He refers to Nora as a lark, a lighthearted, cheerfu
Ibsen, however, sets the animal comparisons to unveil an altogether different motive, animals that are deceitful and independent, animals that are able to survive without the help of others. This mask allows for the seclusion of her debt, and the forged signature on the note payable to Krogstad. When food is in abundance squirrels will often store their excess amounts in order to return when food is scarce. The name also gives a basic meaning of Nora's actions during this situation, as when he first calls her his "little lark" Nora is scurrying around the room humming. "Is that my squirrel rummaging around?"(346) Helmer asks as Nora opens Christmas packages and nibbles on macaroons. Nora is constantly storing items she has placed high values on. Squirrels will hide and bury food, as Nora buries the truth about the money used for the trip that saved the life of Helmer. Helmer is most probably attempting to make the similarity with the characteristics between the bird and his wife. "(Random House) This is very fitting for Nora who attempts and temporarily succeeds in disguising her debt from her husband with lies and deception. What is even more intriguing is the physical characteristics of the bird in relationship to Nora. This little lark name also suggests Nora's childlike attitude, and Helmer's desire to promote her childish behavior. It illustrates Helmer's desire to cling to his false reality of a happy, simple housewife. From money to macaroons, she has found it necessary to squirrel away what she has, and hides the truth from her husband. These rodents mainly live in trees, and their food is mostly vegetable (especially nuts, seeds, and buds) (Random House). A squirrel is another animal altogether.
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Acceptance Essays
