Evaluate A Doll’s House as a play of social criticism.
A Doll’s House is a notable literary work by Henrik Ibsen. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of A Doll’s House.
Answer
Evaluate A Doll’s House as a play of social criticism. [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
Or, discuss the conflict between freedom and social conventions in “A Doll’s House.”
Or, consider A Doll’s House as a feminist play.
Henrik Ibsen’s (1828–1906) “A Doll’s House” (1879) is a realistic play set in the Helmer living room. It looks like a family drama, but it is actually a strong social criticism. Ibsen attacks false marriage, male authority, and social conventions. Nora, Torvald Helmer, Krogstad, Mrs Linde, and Dr Rank all become symbols. The play is also feminist. It shows Nora’s struggle for freedom.
Social Criticism of Marriage: The play shows marriage as a social contract, not love. Torvald Helmer treats Nora like a child. He calls her “my little lark” and “my squirrel.” He enjoys power, not equality. Nora hides her loan because society does not allow women to borrow money without a man. She says to Mrs Linde,
“It was I who saved Torvald’s life.”
But her work is hidden. Ibsen criticises marriage built on lies and male control.
Freedom vs. Traditions in Nora’s Secret Loan: Nora’s loan is an act of freedom. She borrowed money from Krogstad to save her husband’s life. But she forged her father’s name. Society calls it a crime. Krogstad threatens her with exposure. The Helmer house becomes a prison. The letter-box becomes a symbol of fear. Nora cries,
“Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now!”
This shows how society crushes women who act independently.
Social Criticism through Krogstad and Mrs Linde: Ibsen also uses side characters to criticise society. Krogstad is not evil. He is a man rejected by society. He says to Nora,
“The law cares nothing about motives.”
This shows rigid laws without humanity. Mrs Linde also criticises social rules. She gave up love for money to care for her family. She tells Nora about Krogstad,
“There was a time when he would
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