1. Be a Scholar: A Doll’s House
By Ailina Heng

2. Henrik Ibsen Born March 20, 1828 in Skien, Norway
Father was a merchant; mother was an artist
Poverty struck family  farm life  Ibsen discovered more about literature
Age 15, Ibsen went to work in an apothecary
Wrote Catilina, first play
Late 1850, met Ole Bull  Norwegian Theatre in Bergen
In 1868, Ibsen went to Germany and saw first social drama which inspired A Doll’s House
After exiled from Norway, most of his work became popular
Returned to Norway as a literary hero
Died on May 23, 1906

3. Historical Information
The role of women began to rise.
1882 Married Women’s Property Act
Education Act
Charles Darwin published, “The Descent Man”
Oxford began allowing female students into the university

4. Themes Role of Women Appearance vs. Reality Morality
Self-sacrificial  Nora sacrifices children in order to find her true identity
Not allowed to handle money, conduct business within society, get educated, isolated in marriages
Appearance vs. Reality
The appearance of characters do not match the realities of who they are.
Ex: Torvald appears loving and caring but is selfish and cares more for reputation
Morality
Society’s morality versus true morality
Ex: Nora forging her husband’s signature

5. Motifs Letters  reveal secrets Money  demonstrates power
Ex: Nora borrowing loan
Money  demonstrates power
Torvald gaining a job with money
Inheritance  science and values
Dr. Rank and tuberculosis
Nora and Torvald and their children

6. Significant Characters
Nora Helmer  Protagonist
Torvald Helmer  Partly antagonistic
Krogstad  Antagonist
Christine Linde  Confidante
Dr. Rank  portrays themes

7. Style
Realism
Definition: a manner of treating subject matter that presents a careful description of everyday life, usually of the lower and middle classes
Characterizes colloquial, everyday speech
Realism vs. Naturalism  Realism provides some unrealistic events
Ex: door bell ringing at the perfect time, people entering and exiting when necessary

8. Symbolism Holidays  Christmas and New Year’s Christmas Tree
Symbolizes rebirth and renewal
Ex: Nora realizing to find her identity, Krogstad developing into a generous character
Christmas Tree
Symbolizes Nora as a character
Nora is ornamental as the Christmas tree
Act Two demonstrates a burnt down tree

9. Conflicts Man vs. Man Man vs. Society Man vs. Self Nora vs. Krogstad
Krogstad vs. Torvald
Torvald vs. Nora
Man vs. Society
Nora vs. Woman’s Role in Society
Man vs. Self
Nora vs. Inner self