1. A Doll’s House by Herik Ibsen

2. I. Introduction
Ibsen’s Style
Lies and Truth

3. Major Themes
Living the authentic life vs. the convenient life(—Archetypal/Mythic)
Men and Women—
equality, respect,
and the true marriage
(Feminist)

4. II. Major Themes (con’t.)
C. Money (Marxist theory)
D. Duty to others vs Duty to Self:

5. II. Major Themes (con’t.)
E. Moral Theme
1. Contagion imagery
2. Sins of the parents
3. True sins of the parents

6. II. Major Themes (con’t)
F. Search for Identity (Psychological)

7. II. Major Themes (con’t)
Archetypal/Mythic Theme
The search for truth (Oedipus)
The leaving of the
family for
enlightenment
(see handout)

8. III. Characters
Nora
B. Torvald

9. III. Characters
Mrs. Linde
Nils Krogstad
Dr. Rank

10. IV. Symbolism
Setting
1. Helmers’ House
2. Christmas time
B. forgery

11. IV. Symbolism C. The Tarantela The dress (costume)
Animal / pet imagery
Light and dark

12. V. Conclusion The Continuing Power of A Doll’s House
1. issues of respect
2. that miraculous
thing: a True
Marriage
3. gender issues
4. the birth of the soul—
growth of consciousness