b>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 gladly do anything for my sake.”
Her life shows how society forces women to sacrifice.
Torvald’s Reaction and Hypocrisy: When Torvald reads Krogstad’s letter, his mask falls. He says to Nora,
“You have destroyed all my happiness.”
He does not care that Nora saved his life. He only cares for his honour. This is the peak of social criticism. A husband who pretends to love cannot support his wife in crisis. Nora hoped for a miracle. She says,
“You have never loved me. You have only thought it pleasant to be in love with me.”
This shows the false nature of marriage.
Nora’s Freedom and Feminist Message: The climax of social criticism is Nora’s decision. She leaves Torvald and her children. This is both freedom and feminism. She rejects social conventions. She rejects the role of “doll-wife.” She says she must educate herself. The door slamming at the end becomes the sound of revolution. It is the sound of women demanding freedom.
“A Doll’s House” is more than a family drama. It is a play of social criticism. It exposes false marriage, strict laws, and male dominance. It shows the conflict between freedom and conventions. Finally, it is a feminist play. Nora walks out of the Helmer house to find herself. Her door slam still echoes in society as a call for justice and equality.
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