A Doll’s House
Novel
|
Henrik Ibsen
A Doll’s House Main Text
A Doll’s House
by Henrik Ibsen
Contents
ACT I.
ACT II.
ACT III.
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Torvald Helmer.
Nora, his wife.
Doctor Rank.
Mrs Linde.
Nils Krogstad.
Helmer’s three young children.
Anne, their nurse.
A Housemaid.
A Porter.
[The action takes place in Helmer’s house.]
A DOLL’S HOUSE
ACT I
[SCENE.—A room furnished comfortably and tastefully, but not extravagantly. At the
back, a door to the right...
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A Doll’s House Key Info
Key Facts
Full Title: A Doll’s House
Original Title: Et Dukkehjem (Norwegian)
Author: Henrik Ibsen (1828–1906)
Title of the Author: Father of Modern Drama; Realist and Naturalist Playwright
Source: Inspired by real-life events, particularly the story of Laura Kieler (a friend of Ibsen), whose desperate act of forging her husband’s signature and the resulting consequences deeply influenc...
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A Doll’s House Summary
Background
Henrik Ibsen wrote A Doll’s House (Et Dukkehjem) in 1879, and in the same year it was first staged in Copenhagen. The inspiration for the play came from a real-life incident. Ibsen’s close friend Laura Kieler forged her husband’s signature to raise money for his medical treatment. When the truth was revealed, society and her family harshly rejected her. This incident deeply moved Ibsen,...
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A Doll’s House Theme
Themes
Freedom and Self-Respect: The most important theme of the play is women’s freedom and self-respect. Nora Helmer realizes that she has always lived like a “doll” in the houses of her father and her husband, Torvald Helmer. She never had the freedom of will, opinion, or decision. In the end, she declares that her first duty is toward herself. Therefore, she leaves her husband and children to...
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A Doll’s House Character
Major Characters
Nora Helmer: The heroine of the play. Wife of Torvald Helmer and mother of three children. At the beginning, she appears as a happy, simple, childlike, and “doll-like” wife. But at the end of the play, Nora leaves her family in search of independence and self-identity. Her character symbolizes women’s self-liberation, rebellion, and self-awareness.
Torvald Helmer: Nora’s husb...
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A Doll’s House Literary Device
Figures of Speech
Irony: Irony is the contrast between expectation and reality. Torvald Helmer always says that he is ready to give his life for Nora Helmer. But when Nora’s secret loan is exposed, Torvald shows no courage. Instead, he blames Nora and even keeps her away from the children. Effect: This irony shows that Torvald’s love is only superficial, and his main concern is protecting his o...
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Notes
Explore 15 detailed notes related to A Doll’s House. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.