room. The characters are Nora, Torvald Helmer, Krogstad, Mrs Linde, and Dr Rank. The tragedy comes from secrets, fear, and broken trust. Ibsen shows how ordinary life can become tragic. The play ends with pain, loss, and Nora’s search for freedom.

Tragedy in Ordinary Life: The play begins in a happy home. Nora enters with parcels. She eats macaroons secretly. Torvald calls her “my little lark” and “my squirrel.” But this joy is false. Nora has a secret loan. She tells Mrs Linde, 

“It was I who saved Torvald’s life.” 

She borrowed from Krogstad and forged her father’s name. The Helmer's living room becomes the stage of tragedy.

Krogstad’s Threat: Krogstad enters. He works at the Bank. Torvald plans to dismiss him. Krogstad knows Nora’s crime. He warns her. He says he will write to Torvald. Nora is afraid. The Christmas tree is shining, but danger hides behind it. Suspense rises. Tragedy begins when a small loan becomes a weapon of fear. Nora’s family happiness is now in danger.

Fear and the Letter-Box: In Act II, the Christmas tree is stripped. Its candles are burnt. It looks dead. Nora fears the letter-box. Dr Rank enters. He says he will die soon. He confesses love for Nora. She is shocked. She cannot ask for help. Krogstad drops a letter into the box. Ibsen says,  

“A letter drops into the box.” 

Nora cries, 

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

The letter-box becomes a symbol of tragedy.

Mrs Linde’s Plan and Torvald’s Hypocrisy: Mrs Linde decides to help. She tells Nora, 

“There was a time when he would gladly do anything for my sake.” 

She meets Krogstad. She asks him to take back the letter. But she also says the truth must come out. Meanwhile, Nora dances the tarantella. She begs Torvald, 

“You must give yourself up to me entirely this evening.”

In Act III, Torvald reads the letter. He cries, 

“You have destroyed all my happiness.” 

He calls Nora dishonest and unfit for children. Nora hoped for a miracle, but sees only his selfishness. She says, 

“You have never loved me. You have only thought it pleasant to be in love with me.” 

This is the peak of modern tragedy.

Nora’s Choice and Modern Tragedy: Nora’s choice makes “A Doll’s House” a modern tragedy. Classical tragedy ends in death, but modern tragedy ends in painful choice. After Torvald reads Krogstad’s letter, he blames Nora. She sees his hypocrisy. When Krogstad returns the bond, Torvald forgives her, but she knows their marriage is false. Nora leaves her husband and children. She slams the door. The sound of the door is the symbol of freedom. Torvald loses his wife, the children lose their mother, and Nora loses her family. This emotional death is the true mark of modern tragedy.

“A Doll’s House” is a modern tragedy. It shows pain in ordinary life. It begins with small lies in Act I, grows with the letter-box in Act II, and ends with a collapse in Act III. Nora’s loan, Krogstad’s threat, Torvald’s hypocrisy, and the final door slam create tragedy. Ibsen shows that even a middle-class home can break like a tragic palace.