1. Realism last quarter of 19 th century In some ways a reaction against Romanticism and what were thought to be its excesses Once realism arrives, it never really disappears, but morphs “Realism is nothing more and nothing less than the truthful treatment of material.” Howells

2. Ibsen’s A Doll House Ibsen, Norwegian, born 1828 to merchant family Suffered early financial setbacks; influenced his perspective Plays were often controversial, including this one Title translated two ways: A Doll House; A Doll’s House

3. Realism Characters of everyday life in everyday situations—middle class; plausible events Attempt to capture things as they actually are: a faithful representation of reality Diction is natural vernacular Greater use of image, less of heavy symbolism Art as social critique Interest in scientific method applied to literature Techniques of journalism Emphasis on verisimilitude

4. Situation and Themes Husband-wife-children- maid in middle class family Appear to be very happy, celebrating Christmas, with good news of husband’s recent promotion Appearance vs reality very prominent Set design of recent production

5. Themes and Images (choose one) Male female relations; male dominance - female persuasion Poison and disease imagery Money and its effects on human relations Corruption Illusion vs Reality

6. Characters to follow (choose one) Torvald Helmer (husband; lawyer- banker) Nora Helmer-Torvald’s wife-the main character Dr. Rank-close family friend Mrs. Kristine Linde- school friend of Nora’s Nils Krogstad-former employee

7. Reading and Notes Act One Read Act One—the exposition of the characters and central conflict Choose a character and theme that interest you in the reading. Choose one passage for each (4-5 lines maximum) and write close reading notes for each passage