rough the father-figures in her life. The journey towards her
self-actualization and rising freedom can be found within her relationships with
the men in her life. This ultimately identifies the relevant thematic elements
that are pivotal for Nora's character development from a vapid child posing as what ever will get her through the day into a inquisitive woman. Nora develops her potential as a true mature person with the experience and knowledge that she has a longer journey ahead of her.
A Doll House makes extensive use of the father's name, and the
father figure. Ibsen subtly unravels the family as a male dominated society almost
fatally preoccupied with its own masculine image while trapping those who would believe in the myth. A Doll House utilizes the father as a complex metaphor
for a larger social problem which constrains both men and women. Nora's persona
and her developing maturity are completely controlled and motivated by,
her father's name, Torvald, and Dr. Rank: the father-figures in her life.
The opening scenes of A Doll House focus on Torvald and Nora Helmer
preparing for Christmas with the children. The family's economic problems establish
Nora's pending conflict, along with Torvald's position of authority. This comes
both from his economic dominance and from his (and Nora's) belief in his
superiority. He rules Nora and his children like a parody of a God. He creates and
subjugates through the animal names, "lark," and "squirrel," when he addresses Nora. For example:
Is that my little lark twittering out there? Is that my squirrel rummaging around? ...the little lark's wings mustn't droop.
By addressing Nora in such a derogatory manner Torvald is lessening her humanity. Nora, in turn, as part of her daily persona mirrors his impression of her by self fulfilling prophecy. She acts like the animal he has assigned her. She speaks quickly and pe...