Henrik Ibsen's play “A Doll House”
focuses on realistic aspects of life. Ibsen especially plays close
attention to marriage. Therefore, the ending where Nora leaves her
husband and children illustrates reality regarding marriage. However,
some people argue against Nora's decision to leave her family. They
believe that Nora is selfish and leaving her children “motherless”
(Ibsen 288). Yet, I actually support Nora's decision because she
deserves a chance to discover her self- identity. She was “used to
[being] Daddy's doll child” so she had no chance to think for
herself (1227). In other words, she was a doll who lived in a “home
[that] has never been more than a playroom” (1227). Hence, Nora is
unable to become a mother to her children because she herself is a
lost child. She needs to “make up [her] mind who is right, society
or [her]” to fully grow into a mature woman (1229). It would be a
greater tragedy if Nora had continued to stay in the “doll house”.
Her children would have continued to be her dolls depriving them of
reality and individuality. She is essentially preventing the
revolving cycle of lost independence for her children. Another thing
to recollect is that Nora is “first of all a human being” who has
“sacred duties” to herself (1228). She is a selfish, young woman
desperately in need of adversity. Through adversity and harsh
reality, Nora will learn about the consequences of selfish behavior
and lies. In other words, it is time for her to become a true human
being not a pretty, frail doll. I believe that Nora's decision to
leaver he family will lead her to people who truly care for her.
Also, her decision to leave her children might be the first selfless
act she has ever done. Finally, I have to point out about the class
discussion surrounding Torvald. Many people came to this consensus
that Torvald was going to change. I reject this idea because Torvald
does not truly care for Nora. (He barely even notices his own
children.) He states that Nora “[has] ruined all [his] happiness”
and that his love for her is all in the past when she finds about the
forgery(1223). Torvald keeps using words “me” and “my”
revealing his indifference for Nora's suffering and his selfish
nature. Also, he is easily able to throw away his love for Nora
because his appearance is in stake. Torvald seems to only love Nora
because of her role as a submissive and beautiful wife. Therefore, he
rejects Nora when he realizes that Nora took on the role as a
dominant figure. She was the one who saved his life and made the
controversial decision to leave her family. Torvald will most likely
not change because he is so immersed into the gender role of being
the patriarch of his family. He is essentially the product of
society. I am certain that he will remarry another woman who will
submit to his controlling nature continuing the cycle of gender
inequality.
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