Justify the appropriateness of the title “A Doll’s House.”

Answer

Justify the appropriateness of the title “A Doll’s House.” [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★

Henrik Ibsen’s (1828–1906) “A Doll’s House” (1879) is one of the most famous modern plays. It is set in the Helmers’ living room. The title is symbolic. A doll’s house means a toy house, where dolls are controlled by others. In the play, Nora lives as a doll in Torvald Helmer’s house. The title shows lies, control, and broken marriage.

Nora as a Doll-Wife: From the beginning, Torvald treats Nora like a child. He calls her “my little lark” and “my squirrel.” He enjoys control, not equality. Nora eats macaroons secretly. She hides small things like a child. In this house, Nora is not a free woman. She is only a doll-wife. The title “A Doll’s House” is suitable because the Helmer home is not real. It is a toy house of lies.

Nora’s Secret Loan in “A Doll’s House”: Nora secretly borrows money from Krogstad to save Torvald’s life. She says proudly to Mrs Linde, 

“It was I who saved Torvald’s life.” 

But society does not allow women to borrow without a man. Nora must hide her act. She forges her father’s name. This shows she is clever and brave, but forced to act like a hidden doll. The home looks perfect, but inside, there is fear. A doll’s house looks pretty outside, but it is empty inside.

The Letter-Box and the Doll’s Prison: The Helmer’s living room has a letter-box. It becomes the symbol of control. Krogstad drops a letter inside. Ibsen says, 

“A letter drops into the box.” 

Nora cries, 

“Torvald, Torvald, there is no hope for us now!” 

The truth of her secret shakes the house. Nora dances the tarantella wildly to stop Torvald from reading the letter. She is like a doll dancing for her master. The letter-box proves that Nora lives in a prison-like toy house.

Torvald’s Hypocrisy and False Marriage: When Torvald