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A Doll's House

In: English and Literature

Submitted By meganalexis
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In a Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen, Nora's mind is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, that of wanting to be free while still being morally obligated to her family. For Nora's entire life, society has forced her to succumb to its expectations of a woman's role as a mother and wife, rather than to her personal desires. These repressed desires then lead to her feeling trapped and confused, considering her responsibility to her family but also her own wish to be free of this life full of lies and deception. In society's point of view, at the time when this play was written, a husband and wife were expected to live happily ever after with their children, if any, and never leave each other's side. Because of this, Nora felt a sort of principled obligation set upon her by others to stay with her family.
Nora was a victim of subjugation to Torvald. Whether it was his absurd command for her to not eat macaroons, or to not spend money, Torvald had complete control over her. This dominance only drives Nora further and further away from her family. Torvald's control doesn't stop at the macaroons and the setting of a budget. Towards the end of the play, we are made aware of a dance called the tarantella, here, Torvald makes Nora dress up and dance for him, as though she were a doll. After he teaches her the dance, he proclaims "When I saw you turn and sway in the tarantella-my blood was pounding till I couldn't stand it", showing how he is more interested in Nora physically than emotionally. When Nora responds by saying "Go away, Torvald! Leave me alone. I don't want all this..." the idea arises that perhaps Nora is growing tired of the life she is living and wants no more of it, and nothing more than to be free. When Torvald does not immediately offer to help Nora after Krogstad threatens to expose her, Nora realizes that there is a problem. By waiting

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