A Doll's House: Nora Perceived By Other Characters
...1995
In the Victorian age many woman were thought of as mere objects. Most
woman has no real social status and were not allowed to express themselves
freely. A Doll's House, a play by Henrik Ibsen, has brought controversy to the
conclusion in which Nora leaves her family. Nora perceived in many different
ways is the catalyst that forces Nora to leave her family. Many people had
found it difficult to understand how Nora could dessert her husband and children.
In the Victorian Age it was not only unheard of to walk out on your loved ones
but unethical as well. There are many incidents that inch by inch helps Nora
come to the conclusion that she must leave her home and family. As Nora states "
My first duty is to myself" (Ibsen 68 ). Her husband, Torvald, treats Nora more
as a possession then an equal partner. He uses, manipulates and molds her to
fit perfectly into his facade. Krogstad, a morally diseased man who works for
Torvald, also uses Nora to gain a higher position at work. He believes herto be
an easy target for blackmail. Nora's best childhood friend, Christine Linde,
helps her realize that a woman can think, act and live independently for herself.
As Nora realizes that she must find her true self, the ways in which Krogstad,
Christine and Torvald perceive her dramatically change.
Christine Linde, a woman who has had to live independently since her
husband died, suddenly comes back to visit Nora and finds Nora has not changed
from her childish ways in high school. Nora for an instant does not recognize
her old friend because of the time that has passed since the last time she saw
her. Christine tells Nora of her husband's passing and how he did not leave her
any money or "even any sorrow or grief to live upon" (Ibsen 6). She tells Nora
how she had to marry him because of her ailing mother and two younger brothers.
She needed...
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