A Doll House

¶ … Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen

The Theme of Woman Empowerment in "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen

The play "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen centers on the story of Nora Helmer, a simple housewife who is portrayed as a woman who holds a 'romanticized' picture of her family -- that is, she will do anything for her family to be happy. However, Nora tries to achieve this happiness through material things, where she buys things that she perceives her family will appreciate.

In this essay, a character analysis of Nora Helmer is conducted to illustrate how Nora, as the main character of the novel, has gone through character transition, i.e., from being an indecisive wife to her husband, to being a resolute woman. In this event, she finally gains her freedom and self-identity after realizing that she and her husband are living a life where love no longer exists.

Nora's character has initially been portrayed as flawed, motivated mostly because of her preoccupation with material things that she wants to have. At the start of the story, Nora is characterized as a spendthrift by her own husband, Torvald: "You can't deny it, my dear little Nora. (Puts his arm round her waist.) It's a sweet little spendthrift, but she uses up a deal of money. One would hardly believe how expensive such little persons are!" Torvald's regard to her husband illustrates how other people contribute to Nora's low regard of herself; by confessing that, indeed, she is a spendthrift, she becomes a voluntary 'victim' to the development of an irresolute, weak woman in her psyche. Thus, as a result, Nora's family and friends began perceiving her as a spendthrift and irresolute woman, incapable of making decisions on her own because of her flawed character.

This point is illustrated in Nora's statement of dissatisfaction in Act 1, where Torvald reprimands her for her spendthriftness: "It's a shame to say that. I do really save all I can... Ah, I wish I had inherited many of papa's qualities." However, apart from her irresoluteness and spendthrift character, Nora is also immature, where her childlike-character and submissiveness to her husband makes her an 'easy' target for people to subjugate:

Helmer (wagging his finger at her). Hasn't Miss Sweet Tooth been breaking rules in town today?

Nora. No; what makes you think that?

Helmer. Hasn't she paid a visit to the confectioner's?

Nora. No, I assure you, Torvald

Helmer. Not been nibbling sweets?

Nora. No, certainly not.

Helmer. Not even taken a bite at a macaroon or two?

Nora. No, Torvald, I assure you really

Helmer. There, there, of course I was only joking.

Nora (going to the table on the right). I should not think of going against your wishes.