A Doll's House
Henrik Ibsen
Free Sample Essay Download
Please enter your details below to get your free sample essay delivered straight to your inbox.
Character Analysis: Nora Helmer
Nora is introduced as our protagonist. She is initially portrayed as a ditzy and superficial woman – a stereotypical image of the Victorian woman. Torvald reinforces this through the use of animal nicknames such as “little skylark” and “little scatterbrain” to establish this innocent image as well as treat her like a child. Because of this coddling, Nora has been living a sheltered life. However, Nora is actually more intelligent than initially introduced. In fact, Nora desires independence. This is hinted when she narrates her experiences of receiving a loan with pride since she was able to save Torvald’s life.
Nora is also excited at the idea of working to pay off her debt. These actions demonstrate her loyalty and patience, but also how she’s restricted by the patriarchal nature of society. In fact, Nora is willing to commit forgery and lie to Torvald for a good reason. Because Nora’s intelligence and desire for independence is suppressed by Torvald and society, Mrs Linde’s entrance combined with Krogstad’s blackmail becomes a catalyst for Nora’s development since it pushes Nora to be more aware of reality. This enables Nora to also realise that her marriage has had a negative impact on her due to the superficial nature of her marriage, but also how her marriage has placed her in a humiliating position since Torvald is continually undermining and sexualising her. In fact, Nora realises that she has been pressured to conform to societal expectations by her father and Torvald during the climax of the play: “But our home has been nothing but a play-room. I’ve been your doll-wife here, just as at home I was Papa’s doll-child. And the children have been my dolls in their turn.” Nora even learns Torvald’s true selfish nature as he quickly verbally abuses Nora when he finds out about the loan. These two factors played a significant role in contributing to Nora’s decision to leave as she realises that she was never given the opportunity to develop her identity. Thus, Nora completely rejects social norms in order to focus on herself, ending the play with a bold slam of the door.
Nora’s decision to leave caused outrage during the Victorian era since it harshly criticised social norms. As a result, Nora has become symbolic for gender equality in the realm of theatre.
Download a free Sample Essay
A Doll's House
Sample Essay
We are introduced to Nora Helmer, wife of Torvald Helmer, on Christmas Eve in Norway. She enters the room with an armful of packages and calls Torvald to look at what she bought. Shocked, he enters the living room and teasingly scolds her for her spending habits. Their conversation reveals that Torvald had recently been promoted to a bank manager, giving Nora a reason to indulge in shopping. They both reflect over the last few years when they were in a less privileged position.
Their conversation is interrupted by their maid, announcing the arrival of Dr Rank who is referred to Torvald’s study, and Mrs Linde, Nora’s old friend. Nora and Mrs Linde reconnect, explaining how Mrs Linde is widowed with no fortune or children. Nora then explains her struggle of receiving a loan so they could go on a vacation to save Torvald, as well as slowly paying off her debt. Meanwhile, Krogstad visits Torvald to discuss his position at the bank. However, Torvald conceals the details of their conversation, dismissing it as “bank business.” We then learn that Torvald is planning to dismiss Krogstad, forcing Nora to convince Torvald to not fire him.
After Christmas Eve celebrations, Nora is distressed over the thought of Torvald knowing her crimes, so she tries to distract herself with embroidery. She is interrupted with Dr Rank’s entrance, as he speaks about his impending death due to a disease in his spine. Nora considers using Dr Rank’s emotional vulnerability to inherit his wealth as she flirts with him. However, this leads to Dr Rank confessing his love to Nora, making her uncomfortable. Later, an angry Krogstad blackmails her by telling her he will reveal her crimes to Torvald if she can’t help Krogstad get his position back. Distressed, Nora considers committing suicide as Krogstad leaves the letter in the letter box. To distract Torvald from opening the letter box, she purposefully dances the tarantella wildly so he could “help” her practice for the party. Meanwhile, Mrs Linde learns of Nora’s crimes and offers to help her deal with Krogstad since they were once in love.
Mrs Linde reconnects with Krogstad and suggests the possibility of rekindling their love since both are widows. Krogstad excitedly accepts her offer, and Mrs Linde persuades him to leave the letter for Torvald since she believes it right for him to know. Once Krogstad leaves, Torvald returns, dragging Nora into the living room. Mrs Linde quietly urges Nora to tell Torvald the truth before leaving. Torvald goes to collect the letters. He eventually reads Krogstad’s letters, resulting in him verbally abusing Nora for destroying his happiness and career. However, he instructs Nora to stay so they can maintain their image. During his rage, Krogstad sends another letter with the bond, stating that he will no longer blackmail them. However, Nora finally realises that their marriage hasn’t been genuine; she desires independence and individuality. Distraught, Torvald initially dismisses this, before reluctantly letting Nora experience reality. She leaves with her belongings, slamming the front door.
Get this free Sample Essay delivered straight to your email, instantly.
Free Sample Essay Download
Please enter your details below to get your free sample essay delivered straight to your inbox.