The Liberation of Nora
"A Doll's House", by Henrik Ibsen is a story about a woman, Nora, who discovers she has been treated like a toy to play with, a doll, by her father and then her husband. As the story progresses, Nora realizes that what society considers the "proper" way for a woman to conduct her life and her marriage is in direct conflict with her true nature. She realizes this when "the most wonderful thing" does not happen as she had always unquestioningly believed it would. This discovery shocked Nora into analyzing her life. She finds a deep down strength and courage in herself that leads her to want to find out what type of person she really is, and what she wants out of her life. The beginning of the story depicts Nora as a woman who is totally submissive and subservient to her husband. She seems too fragile and weak to make any decisions on her own. She behaves as if she is silly, unintelligent, and very devoted to her husband Tovald. Her main obligation to her life is to make him happy and as comfortable as humanly possible. At first, it seems as if Nora is manipulating her husband in order to get her way. As the story continues, it becomes apparent that Nora believes she is behaving as expected of her
He burns the documents and expects Nora to fall into his arms and forget everything he said to her. Torvald is clearly only concerned with how Nora's actions will affect him in the public eye. He calls her a liar, a hypocrite, a woman not fit to raise his children. A second letter was delivered to Torvald that included an apology, Nora's original loan document, and the letter with her father's forged signature. When Nora discovers her secret is about to be told to Torvald, she panics. From all of Torvald's past devotion to her, she expected him to take the blame for her, which she did not want him to do no matter what the cost to her. " Torvald's actions shattered all the illusions Nora had about her life, her marriage, and her future. He rages at her and treats her as if she is worthless to him now that she has done this unforgivable deed. She handled her life in the only way she new how at the time. After the party, Torvald opens the letterbox and reads the incriminating letter. She is very wise in knowing that she, nor anyone else in her life, could be happy with her until she was happy with herself. Since his reputation and happiness are no longer in danger, all is to be well in the Helmer household again. Nevertheless, in her panic, we see evidence of her intelligence and inner strength. , and she does not have the capabilities to do anything else.
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